Olecranon fossa

The olecranon fossa is a deep triangular depression on the posterior side of the humerus, superior to the trochlea. It provides space for the olecranon of the ulna during extension of the forearm.

The olecranon fossa is located on the posterior side of the distal humerus.

The joint capsule of the elbow attaches to the humerus just proximal to the olecranon fossa.

The olecranon fossa provides space for the olecranon of the ulna during extension of the forearm, from which it gets its name.

The olecranon fossa is present in various mammals, including dogs.

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  Elbow joint. Deep dissection. Posterior view.
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  Elbow joint. Deep dissection. Posterior view.
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  Elbow joint. Deep dissection. Posterior view.

This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 212 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

• aplab^{[dead link]} - BioWeb at University of Wisconsin System
• Photo of model at Waynesburg College skeleton3/olecranonfossa
• radiographsul at The Anatomy Lesson by Wesley Norman (Georgetown University) (xrayelbow)
• Imaging at umich.edu