Cubital region

Regio cubitalis

  • Latin synonym: Regio cubiti
  • Synonym: Elbow region

Definition

Muhammad A. Javaid

The cubital region, or elbow region, constitutes the critical anatomical junction between the arm and forearm, encompassing both anterior and posterior aspects surrounding the elbow joint.

Anteriorly, the cubital region is marked by the cubital fossa, a triangular depression that houses vital neurovascular structures including the biceps brachii tendon, the brachial artery, and the median nerve. While the radial nerve also passes through or near this fossa, it lies more laterally.

Posteriorly, the cubital region is characterized by the prominent olecranon process of the ulna, forming the bony tip of the elbow. Medial to the olecranon lies the cubital tunnel, a crucial fibro-osseous passageway for the ulnar nerve, rendering it vulnerable to compression or injury in this location.

The elbow joint itself is a complex synovial hinge joint formed by the articulations of the humerus with the ulna and radius, stabilized by the medial and lateral collateral ligaments, and surrounded by the muscles of the anterior and posterior arm compartments.

References

  • Miyasaka KC. Anatomy of the elbow. Orthop Clin North Am. 1999 Jan;30(1):1-13.

  • Card RK, Lowe JB. Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Elbow Joint. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532948/

  • Sheen JR, Khan YS. Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Cubital Fossa. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551674/