Why is funny bone called funny bone

Others instead argue that the name is derived from the funny, tingly feeling you get when you strike it the wrong way. Using a phone for long periods of time can have an effect on the ulnar nerve Credit: Getty Images. The ulnar nerve begins in the spine and branches out through the shoulder and down the arm, ending ultimately in the little finger and the adjacent ring finger.

As the bundle of neurons travels down your arm, layers of bone and muscle offer protection as it sends and receives signals to and from the muscles of the forearm and the hand.

The problem is that as the ulnar nerve passes the elbow it travels behind a knob of the humerus called the medial epicondyle and through a small, 4mm-long channel called the cubital tunnel, right next to the olecranon , the bony hook where the radius and ulna meet the humerus.

And in that spot, the nerve is sandwiched between the bone and the skin, without much in the way of padding or protection. And when that happens, you get that familiar sensation of hitting your funny bone; that odd mix of numbness and tingling. No ice pack or bandaid needed. There are a few things about our bodies that, in one way or another, can be considered funny.

Where is your funny bone? Funny you should ask. Why does hitting your "funny bone" hurt different? But why this pain hits so different is interesting, too. Stay up-to-date. By signing up, you will receive our newsletter with articles, videos, health tips and more. Tags: Wellness , Neurology , Orthopedics. But it sure feels strange! People sometimes mention the funny bone when they talk about their sense of humor. Maybe you've heard someone say that something "really tickled my funny bone. This is because the muscle pain causes a direct inhibition of motor function courtesy of the monosynaptic reflex arc.

When the muscle pain reduces, the motor function is restored, often without any residual soreness if the blow has been expertly delivered. This type of dead arm is caused by damage to the brachial plexus , which is the bundle of nerves at the base of the neck that provide sensation and movement to the whole upper limb. These can be severe, and potentially career-ending injuries.

A Saturday night palsy occurs when the radial nerve under the armpit is compressed or stretched, usually by falling asleep with your arm left hanging. So whether the problem is from your funny bone, a dead arm, stinger or Saturday night palsy, the common factor underlying them is the risky path that delicate nerves have to take to bring sensation and movement to your hand and arm.