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Do you know? Why does it feel like an electric shock the moment you hit your elbow?
When you accidentally bump your elbow, you will often feel a stinging sensation like an electric shock. This is caused by the impact on the ulnar nerve located at the elbow. The ulnar nerve is the largest nerve in the body and has little protection from muscle or bone, making it prone to injury.
The ulnar nerve connects directly to the little finger and the adjacent half of the ring finger and is responsible for the sensation and movement of these fingers.
The ulnar nerve passes through the medial aspect of the elbow and passes behind the medial condyle of the elbow. When struck, the nerve can be compressed, causing an uncomfortable electric shock. This condition is often referred to as hitting the "funny bone," a name that sounds like a pun between the word "humerus" and the word "funny" in the upper arm. While the name is interesting, the physiology behind it is not.
Anatomy of the ulnar nerve
The ulnar nerve originates from the C8 to T1 nerve roots in the thoracic spine and then extends downward and along the medial side of the brachial artery into the elbow. According to the course of the nerve, it divides into several important branches, which provide motor innervation to the muscles of the forearm and hand. In addition, the ulnar nerve is responsible for sensation in the little finger and ring finger.
In the forearm, the ulnar nerve also innervates the carpi flexor muscles and is accompanied by multiple blood vessels.
In the palm of the hand, the ulnar nerve enters the hand through Guyon's canal and provides innervation to the corresponding muscles and skin. Each branch of the ulnar nerve has its own specific function, which enables the body to perform precise hand movements, so it is also called the "musician's nerve." Whether it is piano playing or general object grabbing, the ulnar nerve is indispensable.
Function of ulnar nerve
The function of the ulnar nerve is mainly divided into two aspects: sensory and motor. In terms of sensation, the ulnar nerve is responsible for the skin sensation of the little finger and ring finger, and is also involved in the transmission of sensory signals to the palm. This allows people to perceive the subtle texture and shape of objects.
In terms of movement, the ulnar nerve controls many hand muscles, especially the small muscles of the palm, which are critical for fine movements.
However, the ulnar nerve is not without risks. Due to its location, this god often gets hurt in daily life. The most common example is an injury to the elbow, for example in an impact or as a result of prolonged poor posture, which can result in what is known as "paraelbow syndrome." With the advancement of technology, many people use computers and mobile phones for long periods of time, which also increases the chance of such injuries.
Clinical significance
Injury to the ulnar nerve can cause a variety of symptoms, including loss of movement and sensation. For example, if the ulnar nerve is compressed at the elbow, it may affect the flexion ability of the wrist and result in limited movement of the little finger and ring finger. This condition is generally called a "claw hand" deformation.
Not only that, long-term ulnar nerve compression may also lead to loss of sensation in other parts of the hand, which can seriously affect daily life.
Clinically, when these symptoms occur, it is often recommended to seek professional medical evaluation. Treatment options may include physical therapy, medications, or even surgery, long-term placement or other supportive devices to facilitate nerve recovery.
Conclusion
In the face of various signals sent by the body, it is important to understand the principles and effects behind them. When you experience an electric shock-like sensation, think about the reasons behind it and explore possible preventive measures. So, how to reduce damage to the ulnar nerve in daily life?
