The list of body parts beginning with U is short, but it includes the ureters and urethra that carry urine out of the body, the ulna in your forearm, and the uvula, the small fleshy drop you can see hanging at the back of your throat.
Here are the main human body parts that start with U, grouped by body system, each with a short and accurate explanation.
Quick List: Body Parts That Start With U
| Ulna | Upper arm | Urinary bladder |
| Ulnar artery | Upper lip | Uterus |
| Ulnar nerve | Ureters | Uvula |
| Umbilicus | Urethra |
Urinary System
Ureters: Two narrow, muscular tubes, each about 25 to 30 cm long, that carry urine from the kidneys down to the bladder. Waves of muscle contraction push the urine along.
Urinary bladder: A hollow, stretchy organ in the lower abdomen that stores urine until you go to the toilet.
Urethra: The tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. It is much shorter in females (about 4 cm) than in males (about 20 cm), and in males it also carries semen.
Arm and Hand
Ulna: One of the two bones of the forearm, on the little-finger side. Its upper end forms the bony point of the elbow.
Ulnar nerve: A nerve that runs down the arm to the little-finger side of the hand. Where it passes close to the skin at the elbow, a knock causes the tingling known as hitting your “funny bone.”
Ulnar artery: One of the two main arteries of the forearm, running along the little-finger side to supply the hand.
Upper arm: The part of the arm between the shoulder and the elbow, containing the humerus, biceps and triceps.
Mouth and Throat
Uvula: The small, fleshy drop of tissue hanging from the back of the soft palate. It helps close off the nasal passage when you swallow and plays a small part in speech in some languages.
Upper lip: The top lip of the mouth. The small groove running from its centre up to the nose is called the philtrum.
Abdomen and Reproductive System
Umbilicus: The medical name for the navel or belly button, the scar left where the umbilical cord was attached before birth.
Uterus: The womb, a hollow, pear-shaped muscular organ in the female pelvis. A baby develops inside it during pregnancy, and it stretches greatly to make room.
Common Mix-Ups to Avoid
- Ureter vs. urethra: The ureters carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder; the urethra carries it from the bladder out of the body.
- Ulna vs. radius: The ulna is on the little-finger side of the forearm; the radius is on the thumb side.
- Uvula vs. tonsils: The uvula hangs in the middle at the back of the mouth; the tonsils sit on either side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which organs start with U?
The uterus, ureters, urethra and urinary bladder are organs or parts of organ systems that start with U.
Which bone starts with U?
The ulna, one of the two forearm bones.
What are easy U body parts for kids?
Upper arm, upper lip and uvula are good words for children. They can see their uvula in a mirror by opening wide and saying “ahh.”
Conclusion
The letter U covers a small but useful group of body parts, especially in the urinary system. Knowing the difference between the ureters and urethra alone puts you ahead of many learners.
Continue the series with body parts that start with T and body parts that start with V.
This article is for general education only and is not medical advice. If you have a health concern, please talk to a doctor.
