Which bone is considered the lateral bone of the forearm?

The radius is considered the lateral bone of the forearm in the anatomical position, which is when the body is standing upright, facing forward, with arms at the sides and palms facing anteriorly. In this position, the radius is located on the thumb side of the forearm, while the ulna is on the opposite side, closer to the body. This lateral positioning is significant for understanding the mechanics of the forearm, which is crucial for the combat medic's role in assessing injuries, performing splinting, and understanding limb functionality. Recognizing the correct anatomy helps in providing appropriate care, especially when dealing with fractures or dislocations that involve these bones. The tibia and fibula, on the other hand, are bones of the lower leg and are not relevant to the question about the forearm bones.