How is the elbow designed and what is its function?

The elbow is the joint where three long bones meet in the middle portion of the arm. The bone of
the upper arm (humerus) meets the inner bone of the forearm (ulna) and the outer bone of the
forearm (radius) to form a hinge joint. The radius and ulna also meet in the elbow to allow for
rotation of the forearm.
The elbow functions to move the arm like a hinge (forward and backward) and in rotation
(twisting outward and inward). The biceps muscle is the major muscle that flexes the elbow
hinge. The triceps muscle is the major muscle that extends the elbow hinge. The outer bone of
the elbow is referred to as the lateral epicondyle and is a part of the humerus bone. Tendons are
attached to this area and can be injured, causing inflammation or tendinitis (lateral epicondylitis,
or "tennis elbow").
The inner portion of the elbow is a bony prominence called the medial epicondyle. Additional
tendons from the muscles attached here can be injured, causing medial epicondylitis, or "golfer's
elbow." A fluid-filled sac (bursa), which serves to reduce friction, overlies the tip of the elbow
(olecranon bursa). Bumping the tip of the elbow can irritate this bursa. The elbow can be affected
by inflammation of the tendons or the bursae (plural for bursa), or conditions that affect the
bones and joints, such as fractures, arthritis, or nerve irritation.