bovendelen

Bovendelen is a Dutch anatomical term used in medicine and physiology to refer to the upper limbs of the human body. It encompasses the shoulder region through the arm, forearm, and hand, and is contrasted with the lower limbs. The more formal synonym is bovenste extremiteit or upper extremity.

Anatomically, the bovendelen include the shoulder girdle (clavicle and scapula), the upper arm (humerus), the forearm (radius and ulna), and the hand (carpal bones, metacarpals, and phalanges). Joints within this region include the shoulder (glenohumeral joint), elbow, radioulnar joints, and the wrist. The region is commonly subdivided into the proximal segment (shoulder and upper arm), the middle segment (forearm), and the distal segment (hand).

In clinical and rehabilitative contexts, the bovendelen are associated with a wide range of conditions, such as fractures and dislocations of the clavicle, humerus, radius, or ulna, soft tissue injuries, nerve injuries (for example radial, median, or ulnar nerves), tendinopathies, and neurological disorders affecting motor function. Treatment and rehabilitation commonly involve physical therapy and occupational therapy aimed at restoring strength, range of motion, and fine motor skills.

Etymologically, bovendelen derives from boven (upper) and delen (parts). In everyday Dutch, the term is primarily used in professional contexts; everyday language more often uses arm or arm region to describe the upper limb.