The Proximal Radioulnar Joint
The proximal radioulnar joint is a pivot joint formed by articulation between the radius and ulna.
The movements permitted at the proximal radioulnar joint are pronation and supination. Use this summary video and the other resources on this page to learn more about the radioulnar joint and the muscles that generate movement at this joint.
From the anatomical position, pronation can be described as rotation of the hand and forearm so that the palm faces posteriorly. When the forearm is flexed at the elbow, pronation can be described as rotation of the hand and forearm so that the palm faces downwards. This motion is demonstrated in the accompanying animated model.
The muscles that act to produce pronation are the pronator quadratus, pronator teres and brachioradialis. The brachioradialis helps pronation from the supinated position and vice versa.
Pronation
In the anatomical position the hand and forearm are in the supinated position, meaning that the palm faces anteriorly. When the forearm is flexed at the elbow, supination can be described as rotation of the hand and forearm so that the palm faces upwards. This motion is demonstrated in the accompanying animated model.
The muscles that act to produce supination are the biceps brachii, supinator and brachioradialis. The brachioradialis helps supination from the pronated position and vice versa.
