How Do You Spell OLECRANON?

Pronunciation: [ˈə͡ʊlkɹanən] (IPA)

The spelling of "olecranon" might look intimidating, but it's actually quite straightforward once you break it down phonetically. The word is pronounced /oʊˈlɛkrənən/, with emphasis on the "o" sound at the beginning. The "cr" sound in the middle comes from the Greek word for "arm," which is where the olecranon bone is found. The "-on" ending is common in medical terminology and often indicates a body part or structure. So, despite its lengthy appearance, "olecranon" is just a descriptive term for an important bone in the arm.

OLECRANON Meaning and Definition

1. The olecranon is a prominent bony protuberance located at the top of the ulna, one of the two long bones found in the forearm. It is situated at the back of the elbow joint and can be easily felt and observed as the pointy tip when the elbow is flexed. The term "olecranon" is derived from the Greek words "olein," meaning to bend, and "kranion," meaning skull. This name significance refers to the curved shape and similarity to a skull found in fossilized remains.

   Anatomically, the olecranon serves as a crucial attachment site for various ligaments, muscles, and tendons that facilitate the movement and stability of the elbow joint. The most important tendon anchored to the olecranon is the triceps brachii tendon, responsible for extension of the forearm. Additionally, the olecranon process acts as a protective structure, shielding the joint from direct impact and providing a lever-like function to improve the efficiency of elbow movement.

   Various medical conditions can affect the olecranon, including fractures, bursitis (inflammation of the bursa), and olecranon osteophytes (bone spurs). Fractures are particularly common due to the exposed location of the olecranon and the forces it experiences during falls or sports-related traumas. These conditions can cause pain, limited mobility, swelling, and tenderness in the area. Treatment options for olecranon-related issues depend on the severity and nature of the condition, ranging from conservative approaches, such as rest and physical therapy, to surgical intervention.

2. Tip of the elbow; the prominent curved upper extremity of the ulna, the upper and posterior surface of which gives attachment to the tendon of the triceps muscle, the anterior surface entering into the formation of the great sigmoid cavity; called also olecranon process.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. In anat., the projecting part of the upper end of the ulna, forming the back of the elbow.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for OLECRANON

• ilecranon
• klecranon
• llecranon
• plecranon
• 0lecranon
• 9lecranon
• okecranon
• opecranon
• ooecranon
• olwcranon
• olscranon
• oldcranon
• olrcranon
• ol4cranon
• ol3cranon
• olexranon
• olevranon
• olefranon
• oledranon

Etymology of OLECRANON

The word "olecranon" is derived from the Ancient Greek term "ōlekranon" (ωλέκρανον), which is a compound word formed by combining "ōlenē" (ὠλήνη) meaning "elbow" and "kranon" (κρανον) meaning "head". Hence, "olecranon" can be translated as "head of the elbow".

Plural form of OLECRANON is OLECRANONS