Overview
Elbow pain is usually simple in location — inner side, outer side, or back — but the names attached to it can get complicated. This glossary explains the terms you'll see across InjuryAtlas's elbow pages in plain English.
Terms are listed alphabetically, with links for the full picture.
A
Annular ligament: The ligament that wraps around the top of the radius and holds it against the ulna, allowing the forearm to rotate. See elbow ligaments overview.
B
Biceps tendon (distal): The tendon that attaches the biceps muscle to the radius, just below the elbow. It can tear with a forceful eccentric load. See distal biceps tendon anatomy.
C
Carry angle: The natural slight outward angle of the forearm relative to the upper arm when the arm hangs straight.
Collateral ligaments: The strong ligaments on the inner (ulnar) and outer (radial) sides of the elbow that stabilise it against sideways force. See elbow ligaments overview.
Common extensor origin: The shared tendon attachment of the forearm extensor muscles on the outer side of the elbow — the site of tennis elbow.
Common flexor origin: The shared tendon attachment of the forearm flexor muscles on the inner side of the elbow — the site of golfer's elbow.
Cubital tunnel: The passage on the inner side of the elbow through which the ulnar nerve travels. Compression here causes "funny bone" symptoms. See cubital tunnel syndrome.
D
Dislocation: When the joint surfaces separate completely, usually from a fall onto an outstretched hand. See elbow dislocation.
Distal: A direction term meaning farther from the center of the body. The elbow is distal to the shoulder.
E
Epicondyle: One of the two bony bumps at the bottom of the humerus — the medial (inner) and lateral (outer) epicondyles — where the forearm muscles attach.
Epicondylitis: Inflammation or irritation of a tendon at an epicondyle. "Lateral epicondylitis" is tennis elbow; "medial epicondylitis" is golfer's elbow.
Extension: Straightening the elbow, as when lowering an arm from a curl.
F
Flexion: Bending the elbow, as in a biceps curl.
G
Golfer's elbow: Pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow where the forearm flexors attach — medically, medial epicondylitis. See golfer's elbow.
H
Humerus: The upper arm bone, which forms the upper half of the elbow joint. See distal humerus anatomy.
L
Lateral epicondylitis: The medical name for tennis elbow — pain on the outer side of the elbow. See tennis elbow.
M
Median nerve: The nerve that runs through the front of the elbow to the thumb side of the hand. Irritation can cause tingling in the palm and fingers.
Medial epicondylitis: The medical name for golfer's elbow — pain on the inner side of the elbow.
O
Olecranon: The pointy bone at the back of the elbow, the top of the ulna. See proximal ulna and olecranon anatomy.
Olecranon bursa: The fluid-filled sac over the point of the elbow that can swell after pressure or a knock. See olecranon bursitis.
P
Pronation: Rotating the forearm so the palm faces down.
Proximal: A direction term meaning closer to the center of the body.
R
Radial nerve: The nerve that runs around the outer side of the elbow to the back of the forearm and hand.
Radius: The forearm bone on the thumb side, which rotates around the ulna during pronation and supination.
S
Supination: Rotating the forearm so the palm faces up.
T
Tendinopathy: The modern umbrella term for tendon problems — irritation, degeneration or a mix — replacing the older "-itis" wording. Tendinopathy responds to progressive loading, not rest alone.
Tennis elbow: Pain on the outer side of the elbow where the forearm extensor tendons attach — medically, lateral epicondylitis or extensor tendinopathy. See tennis elbow.
Triceps tendon (distal): The tendon that attaches the triceps muscle to the olecranon at the back of the elbow. See distal triceps tendon anatomy.
U
Ulna: The forearm bone on the little-finger side, which forms the main hinge of the elbow.
Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL): The ligament on the inner elbow that resists valgus (outward) force — critically stressed in throwing sports.
Ulnar nerve: The nerve that runs through the cubital tunnel on the inner elbow, causing tingling down the little-finger side when compressed. See ulnar nerve tingling.
Related Resources
This information is for education only and is not a medical diagnosis. Sudden severe pain with deformity, inability to straighten the elbow, or numbness and tingling that worsens needs prompt assessment.