by Matthew Law

The proximal extension at the top of the ulna is called the olecranon process
At the front is the coronoid process, which fits in to the coronoid fossa of the humerus when the arm is flexed. The olecranon process fits into the olecranon fossa of the humerus when the arm is extended.

There is an insertion for the triceps, and articulation with the radius.

The bottom joint permits rotation.

The styloid process (situated distally) stays still in rotation.

The wrist joint does not articultate with the ulna.

The ulna is pretty robust, although archaeologically the styloid process is often damaged.

The maximum length of the ulna 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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