It is not a bone &
It is not funny when it hurts.
The funny bone is a spot at the back of the elbow where the ulnar nerve rests against the humerus.
The ulnar nerve runs from the brachial plexus of the axilla to the muscles of the hand.
As the nerve runs down from the shoulder to the hand, it is protected by bones, muscles, and/or ligaments except in a specific spot behind the elbow.
At the funny bone spot, the ulnar nerve is protected only by skin and fat, thus making it vulnerable to bumps/external compression.
You may hit/compress your funny bone during activities such as resting your elbow on a table for a prolonged period, accidentally striking it against a wall and so on.
As a result of this compression, there is pain, tingling, and numbness over the spot.
BUT WHY WAS IT NAMED THE FUNNY BONE?
Well, there are two common thoughts on the origin of the name:
1. The sound resemblance between the name of the upper arm bone 'humerus' that lies just above the funny bone spot and the word ''humorous'
2. The odd sensation one gets when they hit the funny bone spot
CLINICAL CORRELATION:
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome:
-Also known as Ulnar Nerve Entrapment syndrome
-Recently, also termed 'Cell Phone Elbow'
-Symptoms appear on flexing the elbow
Click on the video links below for a visual description of the funny bone and Cubital Tunnel Syndrome:
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