The elbow is a hinge joint that works in conjunction with the wrist and forearm. The elbow plays a vital role in offering stability to the forearm which works in conjunction with the hands. Some define the elbow joint as a simple hinge joint but it is much more than that, consisting of multiple bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and blood vessels. It is important to have an adequate understanfding of the make up of this small hinge joint.