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

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TEDEd Animation

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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.

What is hitting your funny bone such a different experience than hitting other areas of the body?

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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

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