Radial Fossa
The structure indicated is the
radial fossa of the distal humerus. The distal end of the humerus consists of several features:
- Condyle, consisting of the capitulum and trochlea
- Medial and lateral epicondyles
- Medial and lateral supracondylar ridges
- Radial fossa, coronoid fossa, olecranon fossa
A large central
condyle which has two articular components – the
capitulum which articulates with the radius, and the
trochlea which articulates with the ulna. Either side of the humeral condyle, are two
epicondyles, the medial and lateral epicondyles superior to which are the medial and lateral
supracondylar ridges. There are
three fossae found distally on the humerus:
- Radial fossa
- Coronoid fossa
- Olecranon fossa
The
radial fossa is located just above the
capitulum, the
coronoid fossa is located just above the
trochlea. The
olecranon fossa is located posteriorly on the humerus above the trochlea. When the forearm is flexed, the radial fossa accommodates the anterior aspect of the radial head, facilitating movement. Likewise, the coronoid fossae accommodates the coronoid process of the ulna during flexion of the forearm. The olecranon fossa, as the name suggests accommodates the apex of the olecranon when the elbow joint is in extension. Learn more about the anatomy of the
humerus in this anatomy tutorial.
