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Ulnar nerve
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Main page "Funny bone" redirects here. For the comedy-drama film, see Funny Bones. For the comedy
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In human anatomy, the ulnar nerve is a nerve
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that runs near the ulna bone. The ulnar collateral
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Contact us ligament of elbow joint is in relation with the ulnar
Donate nerve. The nerve is the largest in the human body
unprotected by muscle or bone, so injury is
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common.[1] This nerve is directly connected to the
Help little finger, and the adjacent half of the ring finger,
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innervating the palmar aspect of these fingers,
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including both front and back of the tips, perhaps
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as far back as the fingernail beds.

This nerve can cause an electric shock-like Click image to enlarge - ulnar nerve is visible in
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sensation by striking the medial epicondyle of the
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humerus from posteriorly, or inferiorly with the
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elbow flexed. The ulnar nerve is trapped between
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Permanent link the bone and the overlying skin at this point. This
Page information is commonly referred to as bumping one's "funny
Cite this page bone". This name is thought to be a pun, based
Wikidata item on the sound resemblance between the name of
the bone of the upper arm, the "humerus", and the
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word "humorous".[2] Alternatively, according to the
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Oxford English Dictionary, it may refer to "the
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peculiar sensation experienced when it is
Languages struck".[3]
‫العربية‬
Boarisch Contents []
Deutsch 1 Structure
Español 1.1 Arm
Français 1.2 Forearm
Italiano 1.3 Hand
Nederlands
2 Function
Polski
2.1 Sensory
Português
2.2 Motor
12 more 3 Clinical significance
Edit links 4 Additional images
 5 See also Nerves of the left upper extremity. (Ulnar
6 References labeled at center left.)
7 External links Details
From C8, T1 (branch from Medial cord)
Innervates flexor carpi ulnaris
Structure ​[ edit ] flexor digitorum profundus
lumbrical muscles
Arm ​[ edit ] opponens digiti minimi
flexor digiti minimi
The ulnar nerve originates from the C8-T1 nerve
abductor digiti minimi
roots (and occasionally carries C7 fibers which interossei
arise from the lateral cord),[4][5] which then form adductor pollicis
part of the medial cord of the brachial plexus, and Identifiers
descends medial to the brachial artery, up until the Latin nervus ulnaris
insertion point of coracobrachialis muscle (middle MeSH D014459
5 cm over the medial border of the humerus). TA98 A14.2.03.040
Then, it pierces the medial intermuscular septum TA2 6449
and enters the posterior compartment of the arm, FMA 37319
accompanied by superior ulnar collateral vessels.
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy
It runs at the posteromedial aspects of the [edit on Wikidata]
humerus, passing behind the medial epicondyle
(in the cubital tunnel) at the elbow, where it can be palpated by hand.[6]

Forearm ​[ edit ]

The ulnar nerve is not a content of the cubital fossa. It enters the anterior (flexor) compartment
of the forearm between the two heads of flexor carpi ulnaris,[5] and lies along the lateral border
of the flexor carpi ulnaris.[5] The ulnar nerve runs between the flexor digitorum superficialis
(laterally) and flexor digitorum profundus medially. Near the wrist, it courses superficial to the
flexor retinaculum of hand, but covered by volar carpal ligament to enter the hand.[6]

In the forearm it gives off the following branches:[7]:700

Muscular branches of ulnar nerve - supplies one and a half muscles (flexor carpi ulnaris and
the medial half of flexor digitorum profundus)[6]
Palmar branch of ulnar nerve - arises from the middle part of the forearm and supplies the
skin over the hypothenar eminence.[6]
Dorsal branch of ulnar nerve - arises from 7.5 cm above the wrist, winds backwards to
supply the skin of the proximal part of the ulnar one and half fingers and the adjoining area
between the fingers.[5][6]
Articular branches are given off to the elbow joint.[6]

Hand ​[ edit ]

Ulnar nerve enters the palm of the hand via the Guyon's
canal, superficial to the flexor retinaculum and lateral to
the pisiform bone.[6]

Here it gives off the following branches:[7]

 Superficial branch of ulnar nerve - supplies the
palmaris brevis and gives digital branches to the
medial one and a half fingers.[6]
Deep branch of ulnar nerve - It accompanies the Branches of the ulnar nerve in hand
deep branch of the ulnar artery. It passes
backwards between the abductor digiti minimi, flexor
digiti minimi, and opponens digiti minimi, supplying all the three muscles, and lying on the
hook of hamate bone. It then turns laterally, supplying the 3rd and 4th lumbricals and all the
palmar interossei muscles and dorsal interossei of the hand. It terminates by supplying the
adductor pollicis.[6]
Articular branches to the wrist.[6]

Function ​[ edit ]

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Ulnar nerve is also known as "musician's nerve" as it controls the fine movements of the
fingers.[6]

Sensory ​[ edit ]

The ulnar nerve also provides sensory innervation to

the fifth digit and the medial half of the fourth digit, and
the corresponding part of the palm:

Palmar branch of ulnar nerve - supplies cutaneous

innervation to the anterior skin and nails
Dorsal cutaneous branch of ulnar nerve - supplies
cutaneous innervation to the dorsal medial hand
and the dorsum of the medial 1.5 fingers

Motor ​[ edit ]
Cutaneous innervation of the right
The ulnar nerve and its branches innervate the
upper extremity. Areas innervated by
following muscles in the forearm and hand: the ulnar nerve are the areas on the
hand colored in light blue.
An articular branch that passes to the elbow joint
while the ulnar nerve is passing between the
olecranon and medial epicondyle of the humerus
 In the forearm, via the muscular branches of ulnar nerve:
Flexor carpi ulnaris[4]
Flexor digitorum profundus (medial half)[4]
In the hand, via the deep branch of ulnar nerve:[4]
Hypothenar muscles
Opponens digiti minimi
Abductor digiti minimi
Flexor digiti minimi brevis
The third and fourth lumbrical muscles
Dorsal interossei
Palmar interossei
Adductor Pollicis
Flexor pollicis brevis (deep head)
In the hand, via the superficial branch of ulnar nerve:
Palmaris brevis

Clinical significance ​[ edit ]

The ulnar nerve can suffer injury anywhere between its proximal origin of the brachial plexus all
the way to its distal branches in the hand. It is the most commonly injured nerve around the
elbow.[8][9] Although it can be damaged under various circumstances, it is commonly injured by
local trauma or physical impingement ("pinched nerve"). Injury of the ulnar nerve at different
levels causes specific motor and sensory deficits.

At the elbow

Common mechanisms of injury: Cubital tunnel syndrome, fracture of the medial epicondyle
of the humerus (causing direct ulnar nerve injury), fracture of the lateral epicondyle of the
humerus (causing cubitus valgus with tardy ulnar nerve palsy), Driver's Elbow[10]
Motor deficit:
Weakness in flexion of the hand at the wrist, loss of flexion of ulnar half of digits, or the
4th and 5th digits, loss of ability to cross the digits of the hand. (Note: Motor deficit is
absent or very minor in cubital tunnel syndrome as the ulnar nerve is compressed in the
cubital tunnel, rather than transected.)
Presence of a claw hand deformity when the hand is at rest, due to hyperextension of the
4th and 5th digits at the metacarpophalangeal joints, and flexion at the interphalangeal
joints.
Weakness of adduction of the thumb, which may be assessed by the presence of
Froment's sign.
Sensory deficit: Loss of sensation or paresthesiae in ulnar half of the palm and dorsum of
hand, and the medial 1½ digits on both palmar and dorsal aspects of the hand

At the wrist

Common mechanism: penetrating wounds, Guyon canal cyst (and other lesions)[11]
Motor deficit:
 Loss of flexion of ulnar half of digits, or the 4th and 5th digits, loss of ability to cross the
digits of the hand.
Presence of a claw hand deformity when the hand is at rest, due to hyperextension of the
4th and 5th digits at the metacarpophalangeal joints, and flexion at the interphalangeal
joints.
The claw hand deformity is more prominent with injury at the wrist as opposed to a lesion
higher up in the arm, for instance, at the elbow, as the ulnar half of the flexor digitorum
profundus is not affected. This pulls the distal interphalangeal joints of the 4th and 5th
digit into a more flexed position, producing a more deformed 'claw'. This is known as the
ulnar paradox.
Weakness of adduction of the thumb, which may be assessed by the presence of
Froment's sign.
Sensory deficit: Loss of sensation or paresthesiae in ulnar half of the palm, and the medial
1½ digits on the palmar aspect of the hand, with dorsal sparing. The dorsal aspect of the
hand is unaffected as the posterior cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve is given off higher
up in the forearm and does not reach the wrist.

In severe cases, surgery may be performed to relocate or "release" the nerve to prevent further
injury.

Additional images ​[ edit ]

Brachial plexus with Cross-section through Cross-section through

courses of spinal nerves the middle of upper arm. the middle of the
shown forearm.

Transverse section Transverse section Ulnar and radial arteries.

across distal ends of across the wrist and Deep view.
radius and ulna. digits.

 The right brachial plexus
(infraclavicular portion) in
the axillary fossa; viewed
from below and in front.
Front of right upper
extremity, showing
surface markings for
bones, arteries, and
nerves.
Back of right upper
extremity, showing
surface markings for
bones and nerves.

Ulnar nerve Brachial plexus with Ulnar nerve

characteristic M, ulnar
nerve labeled.

Ulnar nerve Ulnar nerve Brachial plexus.Deep

dissection. Anterolateral
view

See also ​[ edit ]

This article uses anatomical terminology.

Axillary nerve
Median nerve
Musculocutaneous nerve
Radial nerve

References ​[ edit ]

1. ^ N, Catena; Mg, Calevo; D, Fracassetti; D, Moharamzadeh; C, Origo; M, De Pellegrin. "Risk of

 Ulnar Nerve Injury During Cross-Pinning in Supine and Prone Position for Supracondylar
Humeral Fractures in Children: A Recent Literature Review" . European journal of orthopaedic
surgery & traumatology : orthopedie traumatologie. PMID 31037406 . Retrieved 2020-05-22.
2. ^ Hendrickson, Robert A. The Facts on File Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins (Facts on
File Writer's Library). New York: Checkmark Books. p. 281. ISBN 0-8160-5992-6.
3. ^ "Welcome to the new OED Online : Oxford English Dictionary" . Dictionary.oed.com.
Retrieved 2012-03-20.
4. ^ a b c d Bonfiglioli, Roberta; Mattioli, Stefano; Violante, Francesco S. (2015-01-01), Lotti,
Marcello; Bleecker, Margit L. (eds.), "Chapter 22 - Occupational mononeuropathies in
industry" , Handbook of Clinical Neurology, Occupational Neurology, Elsevier, 131, pp. 411–
426, doi:10.1016/b978-0-444-62627-1.00021-4 , retrieved 2020-10-25
5. ^ abcd Rea, Paul (2016-01-01), Rea, Paul (ed.), "Chapter 3 - Neck" , Essential Clinically
Applied Anatomy of the Peripheral Nervous System in the Head and Neck, Academic Press,
pp. 131–183, doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-803633-4.00003-x , ISBN 978-0-12-803633-4, retrieved
2020-10-25
6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Krishna, Garg (2010). "8 - Arm". BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy (Regional
and Applied Dissection and Clinical) Volume 1 - Upper limb and thorax (Fifth ed.). India: CBS
Publishers and Distributors Pvt Ltd. p. 91,110,111. ISBN 978-81-239-1863-1.
7. ^ a b Ellis, Harold; Susan Standring; Gray, Henry David (2005). Gray's anatomy: the anatomical
basis of clinical practice . St. Louis, Mo: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone. p. 726 . ISBN 0-443-
07168-3.
8. ^ Selby, Ronald; Safran, Marc; O'brien, Stephen (2007). "Practical Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
& Arthroscopy, 1st edition: Elbow Injuries" . msdlatinamerica.com. Lippincott Williams &
Wilkins.
9. ^ Minieka, Michael; Nishida, Takashi (2005-01-01), Benzon, Honorio T.; Raja, Srinivasa N.;
Molloy, Robert E.; Liu, Spencer S. (eds.), "Chapter 54 - Entrapment Neuropathies" , Essentials
of Pain Medicine and Regional Anesthesia (Second Edition), Philadelphia: Churchill Livingstone,
pp. 426–432, doi:10.1016/b978-0-443-06651-1.50058-7 , ISBN 978-0-443-06651-1, retrieved
2020-10-25
10. ^ Waldman, Steven D. (2014-01-01), Waldman, Steven D. (ed.), "Chapter 44 - Driver's
Elbow" , Atlas of Uncommon Pain Syndromes (Third Edition), Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders,
pp. 126–129, doi:10.1016/b978-1-4557-0999-1.00044-7 , ISBN 978-1-4557-0999-1, retrieved
2020-10-25
11. ^ Fuller, Geraint; Manford, Mark (2010-01-01), Fuller, Geraint; Manford, Mark (eds.), "Common
peripheral nerve lesions" , Neurology (Third Edition), Churchill Livingstone, pp. 106–107,
doi:10.1016/b978-0-7020-3224-0.00054-9 , ISBN 978-0-7020-3224-0, retrieved 2020-10-25

External links ​[ edit ]

Cubital Tunnel Support Forums Wikisource has the text of the

Anatomy figure: 05:03-15 at Human Anatomy 1905 New International
Encyclopedia article "Funny
Online, SUNY Downstate Medical Center - "The
Bone".
major subdivisions and terminal nerves of the
brachial plexus."
Anatomy figure: 07:04-04 at Human Anatomy Online, SUNY Downstate Medical Center -
"Anterior view of the nerves, vessels, and superficial tendons that cross the left wrist."
Anatomy figure: 08:03-07 at Human Anatomy Online, SUNY Downstate Medical Center -
 "Transverse section through the carpal tunnel and distal row of the carpal bones."
Ulnar_nerve at the Duke University Health System's Orthopedics program
Hand kinesiology at the University of Kansas Medical Center
Atlas image: hand_plexus at the University of Michigan Health System - "Axilla, dissection,
anterior view"
Overview at neuro.wustl.edu

v·t·e Nerve supply of the human arm [hide]

Supraclavicular root (dorsal scapular, long thoracic) · upper trunk (suprascapular, to the subclavius)

lateral pectoral
(ansa pectoralis)
musculocutaneous (lateral cutaneous of forearm)
lateral cord
median/lateral root: anterior interosseous · palmar · recurrent ·
common palmar digital (proper palmar digital)
medial pectoral
(ansa pectoralis)
cutaneous: medial cutaneous of forearm · medial cutaneous of arm
medial cord ulnar: muscular · palmar · dorsal (dorsal digital nerves) ·
Infraclavicular
superficial (common palmar digital, proper palmar digital) · deep
median/medial root: see above
subscapular (upper, lower) · thoracodorsal
axillary (superior lateral cutaneous of arm)
posterior cord radial: muscular · cutaneous (posterior of arm,
inferior lateral of arm, posterior of forearm) · superficial
(dorsal digital nerves) · deep (posterior interosseous)

Other Brachial plexus

Authority control TA98: A14.2.03.040

Categories: Nerves of the upper limb

This page was last edited on 25 October 2020, at 17:28 (UTC).

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