by Matthew Law

The radius is on the lateral (thumb) side of the arm.

The head is flat for articulation with the capitulum of the humerus. This is a rotating joint.

The radius is quite a robust bone - archaeologically it survives very well.

There is an insertion near the head for the biceps, and an entry for the nutrient artery.

At the bottom is the styloid process.

The radius has a very sharp medial border

On the back are numerous grooves for extensors of the wrist.

The myocipital insertion on the top end faces medially.

The maximum length of the radius should be recorded.

FURTHER READING

White, T.D., and Folkens, P.A., 2005, The Human Bone Manual (San Diego: Academic Press) Chapter 12 is on the arms.

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