Each upper limb (2) includes the humerus (arm), radius, and ulna (forearm) and the bones of the hand: 8 carpals (wrist), 5 metacarpals (palm) and 14 phalanges (fingers and thumb).
Parts of the Upper Limb:
• The humerus is a long bone connected to a ball and socket joint in the shoulder and a hinge joint at the elbow.
• The radius is on the thumb-side of the forearm (lateral side with the palm up).
• The ulna is on the pinky side of the forearm (lateral side with the palm up) and includes the elbow (olecranon process).
• The hand has 27 bones; 8 carpals in the wrist, 5 metcarpals in the palm and 14 phalanges (each finger has 3, except the thumb, which has 2).
The arm and forearm bend at the elbow in a hinge joint, which is not as flexible as the shoulder joint, but is much more stable. The hand, with its many joints, is made to be flexible and agile. It can grasp and lift a heavy suitcase or carefully pick up a pin.
