Nyök

Nyök is the Hungarian term commonly used in everyday language to refer to the elbow joint. In formal medical writing the standard term is könyök. The elbow is the hinge joint that connects the upper arm to the forearm and enables movement of the forearm relative to the arm.

Anatomy and movements: The elbow involves three bones: the distal humerus, and the proximal ends of the radius and ulna. Its main articulations are the humeroulnar joint, the humeroradial joint, and the proximal radioulnar joint. These articulations permit flexion and extension as well as forearm rotation, including pronation and supination. Stability is provided by several ligaments, notably the ulnar collateral ligament on the inner side and the radial collateral ligament on the outer side, along with the annular ligament that encircles the head of the radius. Muscles surrounding the joint act to bend or straighten the arm and to rotate the forearm, with the biceps brachii and brachialis primarily driving flexion, and the triceps brachii driving extension.

Innervation, blood supply, and common conditions: The elbow receives blood from branches of the brachial artery, and its nerves include the median, radial, and ulnar nerves, which can be affected by injuries or compression. Clinically important conditions include elbow dislocations, fractures of the distal humerus or proximal forearm bones, and overuse injuries such as lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) or medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow). Supracondylar fractures are a common pediatric injury. Proper evaluation often involves imaging and, when needed, specialist management to restore stability and range of motion.

Usage note: While nyök is commonly understood in Hungarian conversation, precise medical discussion typically uses könyök to avoid ambiguity.