Which three bones constitute the elbow joint?

The elbow joint is formed by three specific bones: the humerus, radius, and ulna. The humerus is the upper arm bone that articulates with the forearm bones, while the radius and ulna are the two bones in the forearm. At the elbow, the distal end of the humerus connects with the proximal ends of both the radius and ulna, allowing for the hinge motion characteristic of the elbow joint.

This configuration enables flexion and extension movements, critical for various functional activities like lifting and throwing. The radius and ulna also play a role in supination and pronation of the forearm, which are facilitated by their interaction at the elbow.

Other choices include bones that are not part of the elbow joint. The scapula is part of the shoulder complex and does not connect directly to the elbow. The femur is the thigh bone and bears no structural significance to the elbow joint. Hence, the correct identification of the three bones involved in forming the elbow is essential for understanding elbow anatomy and function in healthcare and rehabilitation settings.