Upper limb
The upper limb combines the shoulder girdle, arm, forearm and hand. Bones, muscles, peripheral nerves and vascular supply work together for positioning and precise grasp.
Open interactive lesson & self-check ↗Upper limb — learning map
Original conceptual SVG · scalableOriginal schematic relationship map for this topic; relationships are organized for study, not intended as an anatomical depiction or a diagnostic algorithm.
Osteology
Clavicle and scapula connect the upper limb to the axial skeleton; humerus forms the arm, radius and ulna the forearm, and carpals, metacarpals and phalanges the hand.
Joint movement
The glenohumeral joint allows wide mobility. Elbow flexion and extension and radioulnar rotation position the hand, while wrist and finger joints provide precision.
Nerve supply
Roots C5–T1 contribute to the brachial plexus, which gives rise to major terminal nerves such as median, ulnar, radial, musculocutaneous and axillary nerves.
Blood supply
Subclavian continues as axillary, then brachial artery; brachial branches into radial and ulnar arteries, contributing to hand arterial arches.
Reference and next reading
Explore the original curriculum and publisher-hosted resources for full-depth reading; this note is an original schematic introduction, not an exhaustive chapter.