yläraaja

Yläraaja is the Finnish term for the upper limb. It encompasses the entire arm, from the shoulder joint down to the fingertips. The upper limb is a complex structure composed of bones, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues, all working together to facilitate a wide range of movements and functions.

The skeletal framework of the upper limb includes the clavicle (collarbone) and scapula (shoulder blade) in the shoulder girdle, which connect the upper limb to the axial skeleton. The humerus is the bone of the upper arm, extending from the shoulder to the elbow. The forearm consists of two bones, the radius and ulna, which articulate at the elbow and wrist. The hand is a highly intricate part of the upper limb, made up of the carpals (wrist bones), metacarpals (bones of the palm), and phalanges (finger bones).

Muscles of the upper limb are responsible for generating movement at the various joints. These include muscles of the shoulder, arm, forearm, and hand, allowing for actions like lifting, pushing, pulling, and grasping. Nerves originating from the brachial plexus innervate these muscles and provide sensory feedback from the skin. Major nerves include the median, ulnar, and radial nerves.

The vascular supply to the upper limb is primarily provided by the brachial artery and its branches, which deliver oxygenated blood to the tissues. Venous return is facilitated by a network of veins that carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart. The intricate structure and coordinated function of the upper limb are essential for daily activities, from fine motor skills to gross motor movements.