Which Bone is the Funny Bone?
What Is the Funny Bone and Why Does It Hurt When You Hit It?
Ever bumped your elbow and felt a sharp tingling or zapping sensation shoot down your arm? Most people call this hitting the “funny bone.” But despite the name, the funny bone isn’t actually a bone.
The Funny Bone Is Actually a Nerve
The “funny bone” refers to the ulnar nerve, not a bone. This nerve runs along the inside of your elbow and lies close to the surface of your skin. When you bump this area, you’re temporarily compressing the ulnar nerve against the humerus (the upper arm bone), which causes that strange, electric shock-like feeling.
Why It’s Called the “Funny Bone”
The name might come from the humorous (pun intended) sensation or its location near the humerus bone — adding a play on words. But medically speaking, it’s all about nerve anatomy.
Where is the Ulnar Nerve Located?
The ulnar nerve originates from the brachial plexus, a network of nerves that begin at the neck and shoulder. It travels down the inner side of the arm and passes behind a bony bump on the inside of your elbow known as the medial epicondyle of the humerus. This is the part of your upper arm bone (humerus) that juts out slightly at the elbow.
The nerve runs through a groove in the bone at this point, called the cubital tunnel. Because the ulnar nerve lies very close to the skin here, it is vulnerable to being bumped or compressed.
Why Does It Hurt or Tingle When You Hit It?
When you bump your elbow and feel that zapping or electric shock-like sensation, what you’re actually doing is compressing the ulnar nerve against the hard surface of the humerus. Since nerves transmit signals to and from the brain, sudden pressure or trauma can cause the nerve to send out unexpected signals.
The sensation often:
- Radiates down to the forearm
- Affects the ring and little fingers
- Feels like a jolt, numbness, or tingling (known as paresthesia)
This pain is not serious in most cases, but it can be surprisingly intense.
Why is it Called the “Funny Bone”?
The name “funny bone” is a play on words. There are a couple of popular theories behind it:
- Pun on the Humerus Bone:
The upper arm bone is called the humerus, which sounds like “humorous” — hence, the “funny bone.” - Funny Feeling:
The peculiar and surprising sensation people feel when they hit their elbow might be described as “funny” — not in a humorous way, but more in a weird or odd sense.
While the exact origin of the term isn’t fully agreed upon, both theories have likely contributed to the enduring name.
The Function of the Ulnar Nerve
The ulnar nerve plays an important role in the movement and sensation of the hand and forearm. It:
- Controls fine motor movements of the fingers
- Helps flex the wrist and fingers
- Provides sensation to the ring finger and little finger
Because of this, damage to the ulnar nerve can have serious consequences, especially for grip strength and finger coordination.
Common Ulnar Nerve Issues
Though bumping the funny bone is usually harmless, chronic or repeated pressure on the ulnar nerve can lead to medical conditions such as:
1. Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
This is a condition where the ulnar nerve becomes compressed or irritated at the elbow. Symptoms may include:
- Numbness or tingling in the ring and little fingers
- Hand weakness
- Pain at the elbow
- Difficulty with finger coordination
It’s similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, but it affects a different nerve and location.
2. Ulnar Neuropathy
This term refers to general damage or dysfunction of the ulnar nerve, which can result from trauma, prolonged pressure, or repetitive movements.
Treatment Options
- Avoiding pressure on the elbow
- Wearing elbow pads
- Physical therapy
- In severe cases, surgical decompression of the nerve
Protecting Your “Funny Bone”
While the occasional bump is inevitable, there are some things you can do to protect your ulnar nerve:
- Avoid resting elbows on hard surfaces for long periods
- Use padded armrests or cushions while working
- Be mindful during sports or physical activity
- Stretch and move arms regularly if working at a desk
Summary: Key Facts About the Funny Bone
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Actual Structure | Ulnar Nerve |
| Location | Inside of the elbow, near the humerus |
| Bone Involved | Humerus (specifically, medial epicondyle) |
| Common Sensation | Tingling, electric shock, numbness |
| Medical Condition | Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (from nerve compression) |
| Main Functions | Controls some hand muscles and provides sensation to ring and little fingers |
Read This: What’s the Biggest Organ in the Human Body?
FAQs
Here are some SEO-friendly FAQs for your article on the funny bone, optimized for featured snippets and rich results:
❓ What is the funny bone?
The funny bone is not a bone but the ulnar nerve, which runs along the inside of the elbow. When hit, it causes a tingling or “zapping” sensation in the arm.
❓ Why does hitting your funny bone hurt so much?
Hitting your funny bone compresses the ulnar nerve against the humerus (upper arm bone), causing a sudden, sharp tingling or numbness down the forearm and fingers.
❓ Is the funny bone actually a nerve?
Yes, the funny bone is actually the ulnar nerve, not a bone. It’s located near the surface of the skin at the elbow, making it easy to bump.
❓ How long does funny bone pain last?
Pain from hitting the funny bone usually lasts a few seconds to a minute. If numbness or tingling persists, it could be a sign of ulnar nerve entrapment and should be checked by a doctor.
❓ Can you injure the ulnar nerve permanently?
Repeated trauma or prolonged pressure on the ulnar nerve can lead to ulnar neuropathy, which may cause long-term numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand.
Conclusion
The “funny bone” may not be a bone at all, but it certainly earns its reputation for delivering strange, jolting sensations when bumped. Understanding that it’s actually the ulnar nerve — not the humerus itself — helps us better appreciate the complexity of our body’s nervous system.
While the name may suggest a moment of humor, anyone who has hit their funny bone knows it’s more of a “funny-peculiar” than a “funny-ha-ha” kind of experience.
So the next time you bang your elbow and feel that electric jolt, you’ll know exactly what’s happening — and which nerve to thank for it!
