“striking the “funny bone” is actually stimulation of (or injury to) the” __. radial nerve sciatic nerve ulnar nerve median nerve
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct answer: ulnar nerve
When someone says they’ve “hit their funny bone,” they are actually experiencing stimulation or injury to the ulnar nerve, not a bone. Despite the name, the “funny bone” is not a bone at all. It refers to the area on the inner part of the elbow where the ulnar nerve runs very close to the surface of the skin, just behind the medial epicondyle of the humerus bone.
The ulnar nerve originates from the brachial plexus and travels down the arm, running behind the elbow, and continues into the hand. At the elbow, the nerve is relatively unprotected by muscle or fat, making it vulnerable to impact. When you bump your elbow in just the right spot, the ulnar nerve gets compressed against the humerus. This causes a sudden, sharp tingling or pain, often described as a “funny” or uncomfortable sensation, which radiates down the forearm and into the ring and little fingers.
The term “funny bone” might also be a play on words. Some believe it refers to the humerus bone (which sounds like “humorous”) near where the ulnar nerve runs, adding to the confusion.
The pain or tingling felt when the ulnar nerve is struck is called paresthesia. Though usually temporary, repetitive compression or trauma to the ulnar nerve can lead to a condition known as cubital tunnel syndrome, which may require medical attention.
In summary, striking the “funny bone” is a misnomer. It is the ulnar nerve being affected, not a bone, and the nerve’s superficial location at the elbow makes it especially prone to impact.
