Has Your Funny Bone Really Been Tickled?
When is a bone not a bone? My investigation into funny bones resulted in my learning about ulnar nerves and the humerus.
Okay, I confess, I’m becoming obsessed with bones. Having not thought much about bones before, I’ve done more reading about bones in the last few weeks than on any other subject matter. At least, thanks to my recent close encounter with my floor tiles, I know my bones aren’t yet a prime candidate for osteoporosis.
I’ve just discovered a funny thing about bones that has left me laughing. You see, that well known reference to tickling your funny bone just isn’t what it seems. You know that amazingly painful experience when you wham your elbow down unexpectedly on a hard surface. Now, why would anyone want to call that painful sensation funny?
Before I go any further, you need to know I’m not an expert on this matter. Any information here has been gleaned through quick internet research and you all know how reliable that can be. But, I decided I’d share my new learning with you. It’s all a farce. That funny bone isn’t a bone at all.
The term funny bone actually refers to that funny tingling sensation experienced by the ulnar nerve, the largest unprotected nerve in the body, when it hits something. The ulnar nerve runs down the inside of your elbow and is connected to the hand, more specifically the little finger and the ring finger. It is responsible for sending messages from your hand to your brain.
Image via Wikipedia
There seems to be some debate as to why this peculiar, sometimes painful and really not funny at all feeling is referred to as the funny bone. One suggestion is that the sensation caused by impact is rather weird, unusual, well funny if you like. The other possible explanation is that its a play on the word humerus, the large bone in the upper arm. Well okay, if you stretch your imagination the humerus could become humorous.
Somewhere along the way that tingling sensation caused when we bump our elbow has been referred to as tickling our funny bone, resulting in the expression, that tickled my funny bone. They do say that laughter is the best medicine. Try not to bump your ulnar nerve too much today.
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MJRapp | Dec 21, 2011 | Reply
I recall smacking my funny bone while trying to open a garage door when I was a kid. One the most painful things you can do, and I remember crying and thinking, “This isn’t funny at all!” Lol!
dazzlejazz | Dec 21, 2011 | Reply
Brilliantly researched piece (and yes, you tickled my funny bone too!)
Ruby Hawk | Dec 21, 2011 | Reply
Val, you have added to my knowledge. I\’ve always wondered why it\’s called the funny bone.
Starpisces | Dec 21, 2011 | Reply
I ever received comments on the posts about I tickled their funny bones, so I get to know there are really such bones. Very good research, Val, well shared as usual.
Hope you get fully recovered soon.
Merry Christmas (New Year wishes will be next wk).
LoveDoctor | Dec 22, 2011 | Reply
A very good explanation & diagram. I wrote about this once. No, I haven’t had my funny bone tickled at least not yet. LOL
Christine Ramsay | Dec 22, 2011 | Reply
Very interesting information, Val. Actually I can’t remember when I last tickled my funny bone. Perhaps it loses it’s sense of humour as it gets older.
Rosettaartist1 | Dec 22, 2011 | Reply
I always wondered where the saying “funny bone” came from. Definately not funny when you bump it.
J M Lennox | Dec 22, 2011 | Reply
It’s something I’ve often wondered about too! Thanks for that great explanation Val.
ImKarn23 | Dec 22, 2011 | Reply
Now, THAT was funny! (don\\\’t worry, i read it – i just couldn\\\’t resist)
TruthIsNow | Dec 22, 2011 | Reply
Tickling that darn funny “bone” is not funny but now we know why, thank you for that. Funny weird, not funny haha and now we know