Why Does the Funny Bone Hurt So Much? 🦴

Morning Elbows!

Did the family guy meme instead

Picture this:

You go to sit down at a table.

And just as you sit down…

You juuuust barely bump that one, really weird, part of your elbow…

Ya, the funny bone!

Well, It doesn't look all that funny.

So why is it called the funny bone?

And why the heck does it hurt so much?

Well, the name “funny bone” probably comes from this bone here:

Because the humerus, kinda sounds like humorous!

Other people also say it's because of the “funny feeling” you get when you bump it.

Okay, okay, but why is it so damn painful?

Well, it's actually because the “funny bone” isn't really a bone at all…

It's actually a nerve.

As a part of your bodies nervous system.

Which basically lets your brain know if you're touching something or in pain.

Now for most of the body, the nervous system is protected by like fat, muscles and bones.

Like if you bump your leg for example.

Probably won't be that bad.

Because the nerves running down your leg are protected… by your leg.

Because it's all nice and padded.

But on this little part of the elbow. There's VERY little padding.

This nerve has a special name: the ulnar nerve.

This guy runs down from your neck, into your shoulder and all the way into your hand where it splits into two branches, one up your pinky and the other up your ring finger.

So, when the nerve gets bumped by a table, worktop, door or whatever it actually bumps right up against your bone.

Sending a shooting pain all the way down your ulnar nerve to your fingers.

This is why it hurts so damn much!

Version 1

Version 2

Stay Cute,
Reece, Henry & Dylan 🌈

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