Forearm Muscles and Anatomy

Forearm Muscles

Flexor Muscles

• Responsible for flexion of the wrist and fingers
• Located in the anterior (front) compartment of the forearm
• Include:
  1. Pronator teres
  2. Flexor carpi radialis
  3. Flexor carpi ulnaris
  4. Flexor digitorum profundus
  5. Flexor digitorum superficialis
  6. Flexor pollicis longus

Origin of Forearm Muscles

• Most forearm muscles originate from the medial epicondyle of the humerus (inner condyle of the elbow)
• Some muscles also originate from the ulna and radius bones
• The pronator teres muscle originates from the medial epicondyle and the coronoid process of the ulna

Extensor Muscles

• Responsible for extension of the wrist and fingers
• Located in the posterior (back) compartment of the forearm
• Include:
  1. Extensor carpi radialis brevis
  2. Extensor carpi radialis longus
  3. Extensor carpi ulnaris
  4. Extensor digitorum communis
  5. Extensor digitorum longus
  6. Extensor indicis proprius
  7. Extensor pollicis longus
  8. Extensor pollicis brevis

Insertion of Forearm Muscles

• Flexor muscles insert into the phalanges (bones) of the fingers and the carpal bones of the wrist
• Extensor muscles insert into the phalanges of the fingers and the dorsal surface of the wrist

Forearm Muscle Anatomy

• The forearm is divided into two compartments: anterior (flexor) and posterior (extensor)
• The interosseous membrane separates the radius and ulna bones and provides attachment for some forearm muscles
• The forearm muscles are innervated by the median, radial, and ulnar nerves
• The muscles work together to provide a wide range of motion and functionality to the wrist and hand