Fascial compartments of forearm

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Fascial Compartments of the Forearm[edit | edit source]

The forearm is divided into two fascial compartments: the anterior compartment and the posterior compartment. These compartments are separated by the interosseous membrane and the radius and ulna bones. Each compartment contains a group of muscles that share a common function and nerve supply.

Anterior Compartment[edit | edit source]

Anterior compartment of the forearm

The anterior compartment of the forearm contains flexor muscles, which are responsible for flexing the wrist and fingers. These muscles are innervated by the median nerve, except for the flexor carpi ulnaris and the medial half of the flexor digitorum profundus, which are innervated by the ulnar nerve. The anterior compartment is further divided into superficial and deep layers.

Superficial Layer[edit | edit source]

The superficial layer of the anterior compartment includes the following muscles:

Deep Layer[edit | edit source]

The deep layer of the anterior compartment includes the following muscles:

Posterior Compartment[edit | edit source]

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Posterior compartment of the forearm

The posterior compartment of the forearm contains extensor muscles, which are responsible for extending the wrist and fingers. These muscles are all innervated by the radial nerve. The posterior compartment is also divided into superficial and deep layers.

Superficial Layer[edit | edit source]

The superficial layer of the posterior compartment includes the following muscles:

Deep Layer[edit | edit source]

The deep layer of the posterior compartment includes the following muscles:

See Also[edit | edit source]

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD