Fascial compartments of forearm

Fascial Compartments of the Forearm

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

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

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

• Pronator teres
• Flexor carpi radialis
• Palmaris longus
• Flexor carpi ulnaris

Deep Layer

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

• Flexor digitorum profundus
• Flexor pollicis longus
• Pronator quadratus

Posterior Compartment

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

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

• Brachioradialis
• Extensor carpi radialis longus
• Extensor carpi radialis brevis
• Extensor digitorum
• Extensor digiti minimi
• Extensor carpi ulnaris

Deep Layer

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

• Supinator
• Abductor pollicis longus
• Extensor pollicis brevis
• Extensor pollicis longus
• Extensor indicis

See Also

• Fascia
• Forearm
• Muscles of the upper limb