What is the carrying angle of the elbow, and why is it generally more pronounced in females?

The carrying angle is the slight valgus (outward) angle formed by the long axis of the humerus and the long axis of the forearm when the elbow is extended and the forearm is supinated. This angle typically ranges from 5° to 15°.

It is generally more pronounced in females because females tend to have a wider pelvis. The wider carrying angle in females serves a functional purpose: it helps to prevent the forearms from rubbing against the wider female pelvis when carrying loads, such as buckets, allowing for more efficient and comfortable movement.