Learning Objectives for
Dissection of the Upper Limb Joints

The dissection of the joints completes the upper limb. Because many muscles, nerves and arteries need to be removed for this dissection, only half of the tables in each bay are assigned to do this dissection (on one side only). Since this requires some additional effort, those tables assigned joints of the upper limb are not required to dissect the hand on the side they elect to do the joints unless they so desire.
N.B. The other half of the tables will be assigned to do the lower limb joints.


Basic concepts:
You may wish to review the basic concepts for the upper limb at this time. The link opens a new window which you will need to close to return to this page.


Specific Learning Objectives:

  1. Define terms for each of the joints (capsule, collateral ligaments, bursae, etc).
  2. Summarize the functions of muscles in each of the compartments. Knowing the functions helps you learn the attachments (origins and insertions) of individual muscles.
  3. Explain the rotator cuff.
  4. Define the bony components of the wrist and carpal tunnel.
  5. Identify anatomic structures in radiographic studies including X-ray, CT scans and MRI films.


Difficult parts of the dissection:

  1. The most difficult part of in this dissection is pushing the cut end of the supraspinatus muscle beneath the acromion and acromioclavicular ligament to demonstrate how the tendons form a "cuff" around the head of the humerus. Patience and finger strength will serve you well. See Step 3 of the shoulder joint dissection.

John A. McNulty, Ph.D.
Last Updated: Jan 6, 2000
Created: Jan 6, 2000