The elbow capsule
Elbow joint capsule and ligaments · capsula articularis cubiti
The capsule and ligaments that hold the elbow's hinge together.
What it does
The elbow capsule encloses three joints: the hinge between the humerus and ulna, the joint between the humerus and radius, and the joint where the radius spins against the ulna. Strong side ligaments steady the hinge, and a ring-shaped ligament holds the head of the radius in place.
Surprising fact
In toddlers the ring ligament is loose, so a sharp pull on the arm can slip the radius out of it, a "pulled elbow" that can usually be clicked back in minutes.
Why it matters
That is why it's better to lift young children under the arms rather than swinging them by the hands.
Nearby
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Sources
Drafted with AI help; awaiting a human fact-check against these sources.
Open in the 3D atlas · Suggest a correction · Not medical advice.
3D models: Z-Anatomy & BodyParts3D (CC BY-SA 4.0 / 2.1 JP). Card text CC BY 4.0.