Definition

Noun: * The prominent bony projection at the upper end of the ulna (the larger of the two forearm bones), forming the point of the elbow. It fits into a corresponding depression (the olecranon fossa) in the humerus (the upper arm bone) when the arm is fully extended.

Usage

• The olecranon is the part of your elbow you can feel and see when you bend your arm.
• A direct fall onto the elbow can result in a fracture of the olecranon.
• The triceps muscle tendon attaches to the olecranon, allowing you to straighten your arm.

Advanced Usage

• Olecranon bursitis: Inflammation of the small fluid-filled sac (bursa) overlying the olecranon, often called "student's elbow" or "popeye elbow."
• Olecranon process: A synonymous term used in more technical anatomical descriptions.
• Olecranon fossa: The deep depression on the posterior side of the humerus into which the olecranon fits during arm extension.

Variants and Related Words

• Olecranal (adjective): Pertaining to the olecranon. (e.g., ).
• Elbow: The common term for the joint, of which the olecranon is the bony tip.

Synonyms

• Elbow bone (informal, descriptive)
• Point of the elbow

Related Phrases / Idioms

• To hit one's funny bone: This common sensation is actually caused by hitting the ulnar nerve as it passes near the olecranon, not the bone itself.

Noun

1. process of the ulna that forms the outer bump of the elbow and fits into the fossa of the humerus when the arm is extended