Ulnar Nerve: Anatomy and Functional Overview

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 07:46:20 +1300

The ulnar nerve is a major peripheral nerve of the upper limb, playing a critical role in hand sensation, fine motor control, and grip strength. This educational video provides a clear, anatomy-based explanation of the ulnar nerve’s origin, pathway, and function, making complex neuroanatomy accessible and clinically relevant.

Originating from the medial cord of the brachial plexus (C8–T1), the ulnar nerve travels along the medial arm, passes behind the medial epicondyle of the humerus—commonly known as the “funny bone”—and continues into the forearm and hand. Along its course, it innervates key intrinsic hand muscles responsible for finger abduction, adduction, and precision movements.

The video also explains the sensory distribution of the ulnar nerve, including sensation to the medial forearm, the little finger, and half of the ring finger. Clinical correlations such as ulnar nerve entrapment, cubital tunnel syndrome, and characteristic symptoms like numbness, weakness, and clawing of the hand are discussed to reinforce functional relevance.

Ideal for medical students, healthcare professionals, and anatomy learners, this resource delivers an accurate, experience-based understanding of how the ulnar nerve supports both everyday hand function and complex motor skills.