Why is it called the funny bone?
The "funny bone" got its nickname because of that funny feeling you get after you hit it. But your funny bone isn't actually a bone at all. Running down the inside part of your elbow is a nerve called the ulnar nerve. The ulnar nerve lets your brain know about feelings in your fourth and fifth fingers.
What is the funny bone in the elbow?
The “funny bone” is the spot at the back of your elbow where the ulnar nerve (one of the three main nerves in the arm) rests against the humerus (upper arm bone).
What does it feel like to tap your funny bone?
You get that funny feeling when the ulnar nerve is bumped against the humerus (say: HYOO-muh-rus), the long bone that starts at your elbow and goes up to your shoulder. Tapping your funny bone doesn't do any damage to your elbow, arm, or ulnar nerve. But it sure feels strange!
Does it hurt to hit Your Funny Bone?
That's your funny bone! It doesn't really hurt as much as it feels weird. The "funny bone" got its nickname because of that funny feeling you get after you hit it. But your funny bone isn't actually a bone at all. Running down the inside part of your elbow is a nerve called the ulnar nerve.
What nerve is bumped against the humerus?
The ulnar nerve lets your brain know about feelings in your fourth and fifth fingers. It's also one of the nerves that controls some movement of your hand. You get that funny feeling when the ulnar nerve is bumped against the humerus (say: HYOO-muh-rus), the long bone that starts at your elbow and goes up to your shoulder.
Why is it called the funny bone?
The "funny bone" got its nickname because of that funny feeling you get after you hit it. But your funny bone isn't actually a bone at all. Running down the inside part of your elbow is a nerve called the ulnar nerve. The ulnar nerve lets your brain know about feelings in your fourth and fifth fingers.
Does tapping your funny bone hurt your arm?
Tapping your funny bone doesn't do any damage to your elbow, arm, or ulnar nerve. But it sure feels strange! People sometimes mention the funny bone when they talk about their sense of humor. Maybe you've heard someone say that something "really tickled my funny bone.".
What nerve is in your hand?
The ulnar nerve runs from your shoulder into your hand, where it is mostly protected by bones, muscles and/or ligaments. As the nerve passes the elbow, it is protected only by skin and fat, making it vulnerable to bumps. When you hit your funny bone, you’re actually hitting the nerve itself or hitting the nerve against the bone and compressing it. The result is pain, tingling, and numbness.
Is bumping your funny bone funny?
Bumping your “funny bone” is not funny at all – it hurts. In addition, it’s not even a bone!
Where did the name "funny bone" come from?
It may be based on the sound resemblance between the name of the upper arm bone, the “humerus” and the word “humorous”, used to describe something funny. It may also refer to the odd sensation you get when it is struck.
