GLOSSARY

The radius is the lateral bone of the forearm, on the thumb side, lying parallel to the ulna in the anatomical position.
The word comes from the Latin radius, meaning “spoke of a wheel”.

Structure

• Upper end: the disc-shaped radial head, which articulates with the capitulum of the humerus and the radial notch of the ulna and rotates within the annular ligament; the radial tuberosity is the attachment of the biceps.
• Lower end: broad and large, forming the main part of the wrist joint; the radial styloid process is palpable on the thumb side.

Function