What does olecranon mean?
The olecranon is the prominent bone at the back of the elbow. It is the uppermost projection of the ulna, one of the two forearm bones, and forms the elbow's characteristic point. The olecranon also serves as an attachment site for the triceps tendon, which connects the muscle at the back of the upper arm to the forearm and allows the elbow to straighten. Because the bone lies directly beneath the skin, it can be painful when struck against a hard surface. It may also become inflamed, particularly in people who frequently lean on their elbows, a condition commonly called olecranon bursitis. The term is principally used in anatomy, medicine, and orthopedics. In ordinary conversation, the simpler expression 'point of the elbow' is usually more natural, although 'elbow point' is also understandable.
nounThe olecranon is the bony prominence at the back of the elbow, forming the point of the ulna and providing attachment for the triceps muscle and the forearm's strong extensor muscles.
- the bony prominence at the proximal end of the ulna, forming the point of the elbow
"The doctor palpated the olecranon to check for tenderness after the fall."
"An olecranon fracture is an injury to the bony point at the back of the elbow."
"The tendon of the triceps inserts on the olecranon, allowing the forearm to straighten."
Usually discussed in the singular because the olecranon is a specific structure in each person.
"The surgeon compared the olecranons on the radiographs."
The olecranon is the hard 'corner' of the elbow that makes it difficult to rest comfortably on a desk.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does olecranon come from?
The word comes from Greek olekranon, a compound formed from olene, meaning 'elbow,' and kranion, meaning 'skull' or 'head.' The expression referred to the head or point of the elbow, by analogy with the cranium as the head of the skeleton. The term was borrowed into English through Latin and is now used chiefly for the corresponding projection of the ulna.
How olecranon is actually used
This is formal anatomical terminology. It is most often used in clinical, orthopedic, and anatomical contexts; in general speech, people say 'the point of the elbow' instead.