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Wrist vs. Forearm — What's the Difference?

Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 6, 2024
The wrist is a complex joint connecting the hand to the forearm, enabling diverse movements, whereas the forearm is the elongated section between the elbow and wrist, consisting of the radius and ulna bones.
Wrist vs. Forearm — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Wrist and Forearm

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Key Differences

The wrist comprises multiple small bones, ligaments, and tendons that facilitate movement of the hand in various directions, such as flexion, extension, and rotation. In contrast, the forearm acts primarily as a stabilizing structure and a lever to facilitate these movements.
Structurally, the wrist's complexity allows for fine motor skills and delicate manipulations, like typing or drawing. Meanwhile, the forearm's muscles and bones provide the necessary force and support for such tasks.
The wrist's flexibility makes it susceptible to injuries like sprains or fractures. On the other hand, the forearm's injuries often involve muscle strains or bone fractures due to impacts or overuse.
In terms of muscle attachment, the forearm houses several important muscles that control movements at the wrist and elbow. The wrist itself does not contain muscles but is surrounded and controlled by tendons extending from the forearm muscles.

Comparison Chart

Function

Provides complex, multi-directional movement
Supports and leverages movements of the wrist
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Composition

Bones, ligaments, tendons
Radius and ulna bones, muscles

Vulnerability

High to sprains and fractures
Less vulnerable but prone to muscle strains

Muscle Presence

No muscles, only tendons from forearm muscles
Contains muscles that control wrist and elbow

Nerve Supply

Passageways for major nerves to the hand
Contains larger nerves and vessels

Compare with Definitions

Wrist

Sensitive to injuries due to its complexity.
He wrapped his wrist with a bandage after the sprain.

Forearm

Houses muscles that extend to the wrist.
The forearm muscles are crucial for gripping strength.

Wrist

Contains eight small bones known as carpals.
The carpals in the wrist allow flexible hand movements.

Forearm

Composed of two long bones, the radius and ulna.
The radius and ulna support the forearm’s structure.

Wrist

A joint connecting the hand to the forearm.
She wore a bracelet on her wrist.

Forearm

Less sensitive to minor injuries than the wrist.
Forearm bruises are common in contact sports.

Wrist

Crucial for hand mobility and dexterity.
An artist relies heavily on wrist movements to paint.

Forearm

The area between the elbow and the wrist.
She had a tattoo running down her forearm.

Wrist

Encircled by tendons extending from the forearm.
Tendinitis in the wrist can hinder hand functions.

Forearm

Engages in lifting and rotating movements.
Weightlifters often strengthen their forearm muscles.

Wrist

In human anatomy, the wrist is variously defined as (1) the carpus or carpal bones, the complex of eight bones forming the proximal skeletal segment of the hand; (2) the wrist joint or radiocarpal joint, the joint between the radius and the carpus and; (3) the anatomical region surrounding the carpus including the distal parts of the bones of the forearm and the proximal parts of the metacarpus or five metacarpal bones and the series of joints between these bones, thus referred to as wrist joints. This region also includes the carpal tunnel, the anatomical snuff box, bracelet lines, the flexor retinaculum, and the extensor retinaculum.

Forearm

The forearm is the region of the upper limb between the elbow and the wrist. The term forearm is used in anatomy to distinguish it from the arm, a word which is most often used to describe the entire appendage of the upper limb, but which in anatomy, technically, means only the region of the upper arm, whereas the lower "arm" is called the forearm.

Wrist

The joint between the human hand and forearm.

Forearm

To arm or prepare in advance of a conflict.

Wrist

A similar joint in other vertebrates.

Forearm

The part of the arm between the wrist and the elbow.

Wrist

See carpus.

Forearm

The corresponding part of the foreleg in certain quadrupeds, such as a horse.

Wrist

The part of a sleeve or glove that encircles the wrist.

Forearm

The part of the arm between the wrist and the elbow.

Wrist

To shoot (a puck) by making a wrist shot.

Forearm

(firearms) A section of the weapon between the receiver and the muzzle, used to hold the firearm steady.

Wrist

(anatomy) The complex joint between forearm bones, carpus, and metacarpals where the hand is attached to the arm; the carpus in a narrow sense.
With a flick of the wrist, he threw the frisbee to a team-mate.

Forearm

To arm in preparation.

Wrist

(engineering) A stud or pin which forms a journal.

Forearm

To arm or prepare for attack or resistance before the time of need.

Wrist

(ice hockey) to hit a wrist shot

Forearm

That part of the arm or fore limb between the elbow and wrist; the antibrachium.

Wrist

The joint, or the region of the joint, between the hand and the arm; the carpus. See Carpus.
He took me by the wrist, and held me hard.

Forearm

The part of the superior limb between the elbow and the wrist

Wrist

A stud or pin which forms a journal; - also called wrist pin.

Forearm

Arm in advance of a confrontation

Wrist

A joint between the distal end of the radius and the proximal row of carpal bones

Common Curiosities

What makes up the forearm?

The forearm consists of the radius and ulna bones, along with various muscles and nerves.

How do wrist injuries commonly occur?

Wrist injuries commonly occur due to falls, sudden impacts, or repetitive stress.

Can you strengthen your wrist?

Yes, you can strengthen your wrist by exercises that enhance the tendons and muscles coming from the forearm.

What is the primary function of the wrist?

The primary function of the wrist is to provide mobility and dexterity to the hand.

What role does the forearm play in arm movements?

The forearm plays a critical role in arm movements by serving as a lever and supporting muscle contractions.

How do you protect your wrist from injury?

Protecting the wrist involves strengthening forearm muscles, using protective gear, and practicing proper technique in physical activities.

What is unique about the wrist’s structure?

The wrist's structure is unique due to its complex arrangement of multiple small bones and joints allowing versatile movements.

How do forearm muscles affect wrist motion?

Forearm muscles affect wrist motion by contracting to move the wrist in various directions.

Is the forearm involved in fine motor skills?

Indirectly, as it supports and powers movements executed by the wrist and hand.

What is the significance of the vascular supply in the wrist and forearm?

The vascular supply is crucial for delivering blood to hand tissues and supporting cellular functions, especially important in vascular supply in the wrist and forearm.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Maham Liaqat
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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