Human Elbow Joint Model

Quick Answer: The Human Elbow Joint Model is an elbow joint model showing the lower end of the humerus meeting the radius and ulna, used to teach the bones, joint surfaces and ligaments of the elbow and to explain common elbow injuries.

One Capsule, Three Joints

The elbow is really three joints sharing one capsule. The trochlea of the humerus fits into the deep trochlear notch of the ulna, forming a hinge that bends and straightens the arm. Beside it, the rounded capitulum meets the dished head of the radius. The third joint, between the radial head and the ulna, lets the radius spin during pronation and supination of the forearm.

Landmarks on the model help students orient themselves: the medial and lateral epicondyles on either side of the humerus, the olecranon forming the point of the elbow, the coronoid process at the front of the ulna, and the olecranon fossa that receives the olecranon when the arm is straight. The ulnar collateral ligament steadies the inner side, the radial collateral ligament the outer side, and the annular ligament holds the radial head against the ulna.

The title does not state whether ligaments are shown or whether the joint moves, so confirm the form if those points matter for teaching. Where movement is the priority, the functional elbow joint model in the same range is the version named for it.

Specifications

Applications

• Anatomy lessons on hinge and pivot joints using a real example
• Physiotherapy teaching of tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow and ulnar nerve irritation
• Explaining elbow fractures and dislocations in nursing and first-aid courses
• Showing where forearm muscles attach to the epicondyles

Care & Handling

• Hold the elbow joint model by the humerus shaft rather than the forearm bones, which put their weight on a thinner joint.
• Remove dust from the olecranon fossa and around the radial head with a soft paintbrush.
• Avoid felt-tip labels directly on the bones; use removable tags so landmarks can be relabelled for each lesson.

Why Choose LabEquip

Anatomy, physiotherapy and sports-science departments buy elbow models for the practical detail that a full skeleton shows only at small scale. LabEquip lists this model under biology lab products; use the LabEquip contact page to check its form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which bones form the elbow joint?

The lower end of the humerus and the upper ends of the ulna and radius. The ulna forms the main hinge with the humerus, while the radius takes part at the side and rotates against the ulna.

What is the funny bone?

It is not a bone but the ulnar nerve, which runs in a groove behind the medial epicondyle. A knock there presses the nerve against bone and sends tingling to the ring and little fingers.

What causes tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow is irritation of the forearm extensor tendons where they attach to the lateral epicondyle, usually from repeated gripping and wrist extension. Golfer’s elbow is the equivalent problem on the medial epicondyle.

What is a pulled elbow in young children?

The radial head slips partly out of the annular ligament when a young child’s arm is pulled sharply. The child holds the arm still, and a trained clinician can usually reduce it quickly.

What does the annular ligament do?

It forms a ring around the head of the radius and fixes it to the ulna while letting it rotate. This is what allows the forearm to turn the palm up and down.

How does this model differ from the functional version?

This listing is a plain elbow model, suited to teaching bones, surfaces and landmarks. The functional version is named for demonstrating movement, such as bending and forearm rotation.

Last Updated: September 2026