Upper Limb

Upper limb motion involves the actions of synergistic skeletal muscles that are grouped into compartments innervated by terminal (named) branches of the brachial plexus. These peripheral nerves contain two or more segmental spinal nerves (C5-T1). Synergistic group actions permit movement in patients with neuromuscular deficits. Prescribing physical therapy strengthens innervated synergistic muscle groups to improve patient mobility.


The arm and forearm are each organized into two compartments that act either at the elbow or at the wrist and hand. Pronation and supination occur at the radioulnar joints and not at the elbow or wrist. Movement in the hand is a complex act employing joints located between phalanges, carpal, and metacarpal bones.

Upper Limb Introduction

Upper Limb Clips

  1. Introduction

  2. Shoulder Elevation

  3. Shoulder Abduction

  4. Shoulder Flexion

  5. Shoulder Extension

  6. Shoulder Lateral Rotation

  7. Shoulder Medial Rotation

  8. Elbow Flexion

  9. Radial Nerve

  10. Median Nerve

  11. Ulnar Nerve

Created by the Neurobiology and Anatomy Department: F. Reilly, Ph.D., B. Palmer, P. Klinkhachorn, Ph.D., H. Ressetar, Ph.D.http://anatomy.hsc.wvu.edu/