Why Does It Hurt When You Hit Your Funny Bone
The funny bone isn’t funny at all when struck. Accidentally bumping your elbows onto a hard surface gives out an unpleasant tingling sensation, which leaves you with a sore expression on your face. How can a bone, supposedly tough and produces limited sensations, produce such a “funny” feeling? The answer is, the funny bone is not really a bone. It is a nerve, not covered by muscle, which runs near the ulna bone down to the fingers. The elbow happens to be its only point of exposure beneath the skin.
The Funny Nerve
The ulnar nerve, also known as the funny bone, sends signals to the brain to process the sensatons coming from the elbow and the fourth and fifth fingers. All nerves are sensitive, given their natural function. So a bump to the elbow induces a barrage of sensations. However, unlike most nerves, the ulnar nerves is quite durable, which is why it is left uncovered. Feeling the barrage of sensations does not mean the nerve is damaged, so don’t worry. Just consult your doctor when the pain doesn’t fade after several minutes.
Not Just a Nerve
The ulnar nerve is distinct, not only in the sensations it induces, but also its function. It works like a joint, as it facilitates some of the movement in your hand, especially the fourth and fifth fingers.
Why the Nerve is Called Funny Bone?
The nerve is called funny bone for a trio of reasons. Since it runs near the humerus, people jokingly interchange the word “humerus” with “humorous.” Another reason is the queezy look on your face, produced by barrage of sensations, when it it bumped onto a solid surface. Lastly, the sensations coming from the nerve are somewhat indescribable, so “funny” came up for the lack of a better term.
Being Funny with the Funny Bone
Now that you know what the funny bone really is, impress your friends with your knowledge. You can join the rest of the world create their own jokes and after-dinner stories concerning the body’s funniest nerve, or bone.