Skip to main content

Why does hitting your funny bone feel so horrible? - Cella Wright

652,124 Views

1,286 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

It's something we've all experienced: the back of your elbow smacks against a hard surface and the impact sends a sensation so distinctly disquieting shooting down your arm that it takes several moments to regain composure. So, why does hitting this spot on your elbow— commonly known as the funny bone— feel so weird? Cella Wright explains one of the most complicated joints in the body.

Have you ever experienced paresthesia? In what circumstances? How might you guess that paresthesia came about, considering what you now know about funny bone impact induced paresthesia?

Sign in to answer question

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Cella Wright
  • Director Anton Bogaty
  • Narrator Susan Zimmerman
  • Composer Salil Bhayani, cAMP Studio
  • Sound Designer Amanda P.H. Bennett, cAMP Studio
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Produced by Sazia Afrin
  • Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
  • Editorial Producer Cella Wright
  • Fact-Checker Charles Wallace

More from Getting Under Our Skin