Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: Funny Bone
Dec 8, 2021
Hitting your funny bone is a curious mix of pain and bizarre sensations, driven by the vulnerable ulnar nerve. The term 'funny bone' gets a fun unraveling, along with light-hearted personal stories that make anatomy engaging. The whimsical exploration of nerve sensations highlights the quirky responses our bodies have to pressure. Plus, the hosts weave in humor and anecdotes about various types of pain, making even chronic conditions a source of laughter.
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Funny Bone Sensation
- Hitting your "funny bone" causes a unique, tingling pain and shocking sensation.
- This is because you're actually hitting the ulnar nerve, not a bone, and it's one of the body's most vulnerable nerves.
The Ulnar Nerve
- The funny bone is actually the ulnar nerve, responsible for sensation in your ring and pinky fingers.
- This nerve runs from your spine, down your arm, past your elbow, and into your fingers.
Unexpected Hand Clenching
- Chuck describes a recent massage experience where the therapist rolled down his inner forearm.
- Each time the therapist hit the midpoint of his forearm, Chuck's hand would involuntarily clench shut.