Flexor carpi muscle

Flexor Carpi Muscles

Flexor carpi muscles (highlighted in red)

The Flexor Carpi Muscles are a group of muscles in the human forearm that act to flex the wrist. They are part of the anterior compartment of the forearm and are primarily responsible for the flexion and adduction of the hand at the wrist joint. The group consists of two muscles: the Flexor carpi radialis and the Flexor carpi ulnaris.

Structure

Flexor Carpi Radialis

The Flexor carpi radialis originates from the medial epicondyle of the humerus. It runs down the forearm and attaches to the base of the second and third metacarpals. It is innervated by the median nerve.

Flexor carpi radialis (highlighted in red)

Flexor Carpi Ulnaris

The Flexor carpi ulnaris has two heads of origin: the humeral head, which originates from the medial epicondyle of the humerus, and the ulnar head, which originates from the olecranon and posterior border of the ulna. It inserts into the pisiform, hook of the hamate, and the base of the fifth metacarpal. It is innervated by the ulnar nerve.

Flexor carpi ulnaris (highlighted in red)

Function

The flexor carpi muscles are responsible for the flexion and adduction of the hand at the wrist joint. They also assist in the pronation and supination of the forearm.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the flexor carpi muscles or their associated nerves can result in a loss of wrist flexion and adduction, leading to a condition known as wrist drop.

See Also

• Extensor carpi muscles
• Forearm
• Wrist joint