Arm vs. Forearm: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
The arm is the entire upper limb from shoulder to wrist, whereas the forearm is specifically the lower part of the arm between the elbow and wrist.
Key Differences
The arm is anatomically defined as the region extending from the shoulder to the wrist, encompassing the entire upper limb. The forearm, however, specifically refers to the lower section of the arm, stretching from the elbow to the wrist.
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Nov 18, 2023
The arm consists of the humerus bone, connecting the shoulder to the elbow. In contrast, the forearm is composed of two bones, the radius and ulna, which form the skeletal structure from the elbow to the wrist.
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The muscles of the arm, such as the biceps and triceps, facilitate major movements like lifting and pushing. The forearm's muscles, including the flexors and extensors, primarily control the movements of the wrist and fingers.
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The arm is connected to the torso by the shoulder joint, allowing a wide range of motion. The forearm, meanwhile, articulates with the arm at the elbow joint, enabling bending and rotating movements of the lower arm.
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The arm is served by nerves and blood vessels that branch from the shoulder area, supplying the entire upper limb. The forearm has its distinct set of nerves and vessels that specifically cater to its functional needs and movements.
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Nov 18, 2023
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Comparison Chart
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Arm and Forearm Definitions
Arm
The part of the body used for lifting and holding.
She cradled the baby in her arms.
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Forearm
A section of the arm used for precise hand movements.
The artist drew fine lines with steady forearms.
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Arm
The part of the body connecting the hand to the shoulder.
The tattoo covered his entire arm.
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Forearm
The lower part of the arm between the elbow and the wrist.
He wore a watch on his forearm.
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Arm
An upper limb of the human body, connecting the hand and wrist to the shoulder.
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Forearm
The limb segment aiding in wrist and finger control.
He flexed his forearm to show the muscle definition.
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Arm
A part similar to a human arm, such as the forelimb of an animal or a long part projecting from a central support in a machine.
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Forearm
The part of the arm that includes the radius and ulna bones.
She fractured her forearm during the fall.
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Arm
Something, such as a sleeve on a garment or a support on a chair, that is designed to cover or support the human arm.
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Arm
A relatively narrow extension jutting out from a large mass:an arm of the sea.
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Forearm
The corresponding part of the foreleg in certain quadrupeds, such as a horse.
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Forearm
(firearms) A section of the weapon between the receiver and the muzzle, used to hold the firearm steady.
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Arm
A weapon, especially a firearm
Troops bearing arms.
ICBMs, bombs, and other nuclear arms.
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Forearm
To arm or prepare for attack or resistance before the time of need.
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Forearm
That part of the arm or fore limb between the elbow and wrist; the antibrachium.
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Arm
Military service
Several million volunteers under arms.
The profession of arms.
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Forearm
The area of the arm below the elbow joint.
The nurse took his blood pressure on the forearm.
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Arm
To equip with weapons
Armed themselves with loaded pistols.
Arm a missile with a warhead.
Arm a nation for war.
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Arm
To equip with what is needed for effective action
Tax advisers who were armed with the latest forms.
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Arm
To provide with something that strengthens or protects
A space reentry vehicle that was armed with a ceramic shield.
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Arm
To prepare (a weapon or electronic system, such as an alarm) for use or operation, as by releasing a safety device.
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Arm
The portion of the upper human appendage, from the shoulder to the wrist and sometimes including the hand.
She stood with her right arm extended and her palm forward to indicate “Stop!”
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Arm
(anatomy) The extended portion of the upper limb, from the shoulder to the elbow.
The arm and forearm are parts of the upper limb in the human body.
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Arm
A limb, or locomotive or prehensile organ, of an invertebrate animal.
The arms of an octopus
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Arm
A long, narrow, more or less rigid part of an object extending from the main part or centre of the object, such as the arm of an armchair, a crane, a pair of spectacles or a pair of compasses.
The robot arm reached out and placed the part on the assembly line.
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Arm
(geography) A bay or inlet off a main body of water.
Shelburne Bay is an arm of Lake Champlain.
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Arm
(figurative) Power; might; strength; support.
The arm of the law
The secular arm
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Arm
(in the plural) heraldic bearings or insignia.
The Duke's arms were a sable gryphon rampant on an argent field.
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Arm
(transitive) To supply with armour or (later especially) weapons.
The king armed his knights with swords and shields.
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Arm
To supply with the equipment, knowledge, authority, or other tools needed for a particular task; to furnish with capability; to equip.
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Arm
(transitive) To prepare (a tool, weapon, or system) for action; to activate.
Remember to arm the alarm system before leaving for work.
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Arm
(transitive) To cover or furnish with a plate, or with whatever will add strength, force, security, or efficiency.
To arm the hit of a sword; to arm a hook in angling
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Arm
The limb of the human body which extends from the shoulder to the hand; also, the corresponding limb of a monkey.
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Arm
Fig.: Power; might; strength; support; as, the secular arm; the arm of the law.
To whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?
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Arm
A branch of the military service; as, the cavalry arm was made efficient.
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Arm
To take by the arm; to take up in one's arms.
And make him with our pikes and partisansA grave: come, arm him.
Arm your prize;I know you will not lose him.
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Arm
To furnish with arms or limbs.
His shoulders broad and strong,Armed long and round.
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Arm
To furnish or equip with weapons of offense or defense; as, to arm soldiers; to arm the country.
Abram . . . armed his trained servants.
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Arm
To cover or furnish with a plate, or with whatever will add strength, force, security, or efficiency; as, to arm the hit of a sword; to arm a hook in angling.
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Arm
Fig.: To furnish with means of defense; to prepare for resistance; to fortify, in a moral sense.
Arm yourselves . . . with the same mind.
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Arm
To provide one's self with arms, weapons, or means of attack or resistance; to take arms.
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Arm
A human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb
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Arm
Any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting;
He was licensed to carry a weapon
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Arm
An administrative division of some larger or more complex organization;
A branch of Congress
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Arm
Any projection that is thought to resemble an arm;
The arm of the record player
An arm of the sea
A branch of the sewer
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Arm
The part of an armchair or sofa that supports the elbow and forearm of a seated person
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Arm
The part of a garment that is attached at armhole and provides a cloth covering for the arm
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Arm
Prepare oneself for a military confrontation;
The U.S. is girding for a conflict in the Middle East
Troops are building up on the Iraqui border
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Arm
The entire upper limb of the human body from shoulder to wrist.
He lifted the heavy box with both arms.
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Arm
A limb with muscles primarily for major movements.
The athlete flexed his arms after the victory.
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Arm
The upper appendage attached to the torso.
He wore a cast on his arm after the accident.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is the elbow part of the arm or forearm?
The elbow is the joint that connects the upper arm to the forearm.
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What muscles are in the arm?
Major muscles in the arm include the biceps and triceps.
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Can the arm rotate?
The arm can rotate at the shoulder, but rotation primarily occurs in the forearm.
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What are the two bones in the forearm?
The two bones in the forearm are the radius and ulna.
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Are the nerves in the arm and forearm different?
Yes, the arm and forearm have different nerve supplies for specific functions.
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What is the primary function of the forearm?
The primary function of the forearm is to control wrist and finger movements.
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Which part of the arm is used for injections?
Injections are often given in the upper arm.
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How do you measure arm strength?
Arm strength is typically measured by evaluating the biceps and triceps muscles.
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Can you fracture your forearm?
Yes, the forearm bones, the radius and ulna, can be fractured.
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Is the forearm responsible for gripping?
Yes, the forearm muscles facilitate gripping and fine motor skills.
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Is the forearm more flexible than the upper arm?
The forearm has more rotational flexibility due to the elbow and wrist joints.
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Are arm and forearm exercises different?
Yes, they target different muscles and movements.
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Can you dislocate your forearm?
Dislocation can occur at the joints in the forearm, such as the elbow or wrist.
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Do arm stretches involve the forearm?
Yes, many arm stretches also extend to the forearm to improve flexibility.
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Do all arm movements involve the forearm?
Many arm movements involve the forearm, especially those requiring rotation.
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What is forearm pronation and supination?
Pronation and supination are movements of the forearm that turn the palm down or up, respectively.
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Why is the arm important?
The arm is important for major lifting and carrying activities.
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Why is the forearm important in typing?
The forearm muscles control the fine movements of the fingers for typing.
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Is arm length the same as forearm length?
No, arm length includes the entire upper limb, while forearm length is just from elbow to wrist.
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Nov 18, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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