Flexor carpi ulnaris

Flexor Carpi Ulnaris

The Flexor Carpi Ulnaris (FCU) is one of the muscles of the human forearm that acts to flex and adduct the wrist. It is located on the medial side of the forearm and is the most medial of the superficial muscles in this region.

Anatomy

The Flexor Carpi Ulnaris originates from two heads - the humeral head, which arises from the medial epicondyle of the humerus, and the ulnar head, which arises from the medial margin of the olecranon and the upper three-quarters of the posterior border of the ulna. These two heads are connected by a tendinous arch, under which the ulnar nerve and ulnar artery pass.

The muscle fibers converge into a flat tendon, which runs along the ulnar border of the forearm, ending in a pisiform bone. From there, it continues as the pisohamate and pisometacarpal ligaments to insert into the fifth metacarpal bone.

Function

The primary function of the Flexor Carpi Ulnaris is to flex and adduct the wrist. It is the only muscle that can perform ulnar deviation (adduction) of the wrist independently.

Clinical Significance

Injury or damage to the Flexor Carpi Ulnaris can result in loss of ability to flex and adduct the wrist, which can significantly impact hand function. Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome can also affect this muscle.

See Also

• Forearm
• Wrist
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

References

Flexor carpi ulnaris Resources
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