Forearm facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Forearm
The forearm is the part of your upper limb between your elbow and your wrist. You can see many veins in this picture.
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The forearm is a super important part of your human arm. It's the section that connects your elbow to your wrist. Think of it as the middle part of your arm. It holds many muscles that help you move your fingers and hand.

What is the Forearm?

The forearm is a key part of your arm. It allows you to do many daily activities. It helps you lift things, write, and even play sports. Without your forearm, moving your hand and fingers would be very hard. It's a busy part of your body!

Bones of the Forearm

Your forearm has two main bones. They are called the radius and the ulna. These two bones work together. They let your forearm twist and turn.

The Radius Bone

The radius is the bone on the thumb side of your forearm. It's the shorter of the two bones. The radius connects to your wrist. It helps you turn your hand. This movement is called pronation and supination.

The Ulna Bone

The ulna is the bone on the pinky finger side. It's longer than the radius. The ulna connects mainly to your elbow. It helps form the elbow joint. Both bones are strong. They support your hand and arm.

Muscles of the Forearm

The forearm is packed with muscles. These muscles help you move your wrist, hand, and fingers. They are divided into two main groups:

• Flexor muscles: These muscles are on the front of your forearm. They help you bend your wrist and fingers. Imagine making a fist.
• Extensor muscles: These muscles are on the back of your forearm. They help you straighten your wrist and fingers. Think about opening your hand.

How Forearm Muscles Work

When you pick up a glass, your flexor muscles work. When you wave goodbye, your extensor muscles are busy. These muscles are connected to your bones by strong tissues called tendons. Tendons are like ropes that pull on your bones.

What the Forearm Does

The forearm is essential for many actions. It lets you:

• Rotate your hand: You can turn your palm up or down. This is thanks to the radius and ulna.
• Grip and hold: The forearm muscles give your hand strength. This helps you hold onto objects.
• Move your fingers: All the tiny movements of your fingers start in your forearm. This includes typing or playing an instrument.
• Support your hand: It acts as a strong base for your hand. This allows for fine movements.

Your forearm is a complex and amazing part of your body. It helps you interact with the world every day!

Images for kids

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  Bones of forearm, radius on left and ulna on the right

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  Veins of the forearm and hand

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  Superficial muscles of the forearm

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  Deep muscles of the anterior forearm

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  Deep muscles of the posterior forearm

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  Cross-section through the middle of the forearm.

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  Bones of the forearm - ulna (right) and radius (left)

See also

In Spanish: Antebrazo para niños