The “funny bone” – a phrase guaranteed to make anyone wince just thinking about it. That unmistakable jolt, a sudden electric thrumming through your arm, is an experience almost universally understood. But for us crossword enthusiasts, it’s not just a physical sensation; it’s a brilliant setup for a classic anatomical
crossword clue
. Today, let’s dissect that specific
crossword clue
that often appears, challenging our knowledge of the human body and our ability to think beyond the obvious: “Bone near the funny bone.”
Many people instinctively know the “funny bone” isn’t actually a bone. It’s the ulnar nerve, running along a specific groove at the elbow. This nerve is quite exposed there, making it susceptible to that infamous bump. But the
crossword clue
specifically asks for a
bone
. This immediately tells us the setters are playing on our common understanding of the phrase, then redirecting us to the literal anatomy surrounding it. It’s a quintessential example of how a well-crafted
crossword clue
tests not just vocabulary, but general knowledge and critical thinking.
When you encounter this particular
crossword clue
, your mind likely goes through a few stages. First, the thought of the funny bone itself. Then, the realization it’s a nerve. And finally, the search for the
bone
in close proximity to that nerve at the elbow. We’re talking about the bones of the lower arm, the ones extending from the elbow down to the wrist. There are two primary long bones in that region. One is on the thumb side, and the other, the one this
crossword clue
points to, is on the pinky side, running right past that sensitive ulnar nerve.
This kind of anatomical
crossword clue
is fantastic because it forces you to visualize. You might even find yourself tracing your own arm, running your fingers along the path from your shoulder to your wrist, trying to identify which bony structure aligns perfectly with the description. It’s about more than just remembering a word; it’s about understanding a concept and its physical location. Solving tricky
crossword clues
often involves this kind of active mental engagement, piecing together fragments of information and common associations.
The beauty of a seemingly simple
crossword clue
like this lies in its ability to trip up even seasoned solvers if they rush. They might immediately think of the large bone of the upper arm, the humerus, because it’s
at
the elbow. But the clue specifies “near the funny bone,” which precisely refers to that vulnerable nerve, and therefore, the bone that runs
alongside
it in the forearm. It requires a precise understanding of anatomical relationships, not just broad categories. It’s about pinpointing the
exact
bone that makes the most sense in context of the nerve’s path.
So, the next time you’re faced with a
crossword clue
that delves into anatomy or common phrases, take a moment. Deconstruct the language. What is it
really
asking? Is there a literal interpretation hidden within a colloquial expression? These are the moments that make tackling
crossword clues
so rewarding. That “aha!” feeling, when all the pieces click into place, is precisely why we keep coming back for more. Keep practicing, keep thinking, and keep exploring the fascinating world hidden within every
crossword clue
.
Available Answers:
ULNA.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – Filling Out a Puzzle By Greyson Miller