Ulnar nerve

Definition

The ulnar nerve is one of the major nerves of the arm, responsible for innervating (supplying with nerves) parts of the hand and facilitating muscle movement and sensation in the forearm and hand. It runs from the shoulder to the hand, passing through areas such as the inner elbow (often referred to when talking about hitting your "funny bone").

Related terms

Peripheral Nervous System: A division of the nervous system consisting of all nerves that are not part of the brain or spinal cord.

Innervation: The supply of nerves to a specific body part, enabling it to communicate with the central nervous system.

Sensation: The process by which our sensory receptors and nervous system receive and interpret sensory information from our environment