Why do we call it the funny bone?
Rebecca writes, “Why do we call it the ‘funny bone’? It’s not funny at all when you bump it!”
Maybe not for you but it might be hilarious for the people watching you roll around on the ground trying to decide if you’re hurt or tickled or something.
Alright, let’s get technical. About the funny bone. It’s not funny.
First off it’s not a bone, it’s a nerve. It’s your ulnar nerve.
Ulnar is a funny word.
And when that nerve smacks up hard against your humerus bone… heh heh, humerus bone, maybe that’s why it’s funny. Except it isn’t. But it’s humorous.
But it still isn’t funny.
There is nothing funny about getting hurt. Unless it’s someone else.
Anyway, when the ulnar nerve gets bumped it creates a very odd sensation. But there’s a good reason for that.
The ulnar is the largest nerve in the human body that’s unprotected by layers of deep tissue, ligaments, muscle or bone.
I’m going to try and get it to go.
It’s also the only exposed, non-sensory nerve. That means it’s not used for feeling like the nerves in your skin, which is probably why it feels so odd and why it’s unlike getting hit anywhere else.
It’s somewhere around here.
And just like your sense of humor, not everybody’s funny bone “gets it” the same way. I mean, to some people it feels weird and tingly or only slightly painful, whereas other people cry like little babies.
Wah.
They just don’t get it. Their nerves just don’t get it. It’s supposed to be funny.
Ow.
So what’s the point of having a large, exposed, non-sensory nerve right near a major joint in the human body?
We already told you, it’s so you can entertain your friends, writhing around and howling in agony when you get bopped there. At least, that’s the answer I like.
The real reason is because it doesn’t actually hurt. For most people it creates an odd, uncomfortable sensation and like getting tickled it can make you laugh and cry at the same time, and that’s supposed to be funny. Somehow.
Transcribed by: Caitlin Y.
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16 Comments
Satya Agraha
No, it doesn't actually cause pain, it just makes you cry! ... Wait, what?Eomega123
I've always wondered about the funny bone. About a year ago I got my funny bone hit really hard by one of those pogo stick like swings that bounce up and down while you stand on it. (Techically, you're supposed to sit on it, but that's alot less fun...and whole lot less likely to give you a life long reminder of something stupid you did as a kid.) When I jumped off of it, the base sprung up and hit the funny bone in my right arm. I had a pins and needles feeling in my arm ... lots moreOhSoSami.
I've never hit my funny bone so this is weird to me. lolsteph
as wierd as this is when i was watching this i hit my elbow on the desk and got that sensation. now my hands tingling. it wasnt funny but it was funny that it happened during this videoIngrid
Bad bad stijn, bad! :P It's not holland, it's the Netherlands ;) ... calling our country holland is like calling the USA California or something...FrootLoopColorSorter
My 5 year old watched the show with me, laughed the whole way through. I told him I thought he was made up of only funny bones. He assured me that wasn't true... according to him he also has "happy bones", "silly bones", and even a dinosaur bone (!?) in ... moreStijn
Like Ingrid said in holland its called the telephone bone. I really liked the show. Nice to have you guys working again.Rebecca
Thank you so much! This really helped a lot. Now I know at least why my friends roll on the floor when I hit my "funny bone".Meandering
Nice to see that the show is back on track. Speaking of how things work, your next show should be on how the "wind gets knocked out" of us. I haven't had that happen to me in a really long time, but I'm not complaining. I've always ... moreDan
22?H u T c H
Totally miss the last three-second blupers that usually come out after you "wrap it up". Please don't drop that video style completely.Ingrid
Nice show... Didn't know you guys called it the "funny bone" in the Netherlands we call it.... uhm... how do I translate this... "A telephone bumb" or something. We have a name for hitting it and the feeling itself, we don't name the parts of your body that cause it. ... moreSoul Sister
The anatomy nerd in me is totally freaking out right now. Love the show!GenJ
sorry for the double post i was wounding why i cant get all 168 shows i only have back to 2/22/2008 whats up with thatGenJ
woot 2 in a row there back on trackPangus
what happened to going full-screen?