Extensor carpi muscle

Extensor Carpi Muscles

The extensor carpi muscles are located in the posterior compartment of the forearm. Image from Gray's Anatomy.

The extensor carpi muscles are a group of muscles in the human anatomy that are located in the posterior compartment of the forearm. These muscles are primarily responsible for the extension and abduction of the wrist. The group includes the extensor carpi radialis longus, extensor carpi radialis brevis, and the extensor carpi ulnaris.

Structure

The extensor carpi muscles originate from the lateral epicondyle of the humerus and insert into the second and third metacarpal bones (radialis longus and brevis) and the base of the fifth metacarpal (ulnaris).

Function

The primary function of the extensor carpi muscles is to extend and abduct the wrist. They also assist in the stabilization of the wrist during finger extension.

Clinical significance

Injuries to the extensor carpi muscles can result in a loss of wrist extension and abduction, leading to a condition known as wrist drop.

See also

• Flexor carpi muscles
• Forearm
• Wrist

External links

• AnatomyZone: Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus
• AnatomyZone: Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis
• AnatomyZone: Extensor Carpi Ulnaris