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Flexor carpi radialis

Contents

Anatomy

 

Flexor carpi radialis - anterior view
Flexor carpi radialis - anterolateral view

General information

  • This section is strictly limited to anatomy, you might be looking for clinical relevant information which is found under the clinical chapters -- muscles section, click here to go to that page
  • Is a part of the lower arm's anterior superficial group

Position

  • Superficial at the anterior part of the lower arm

Origin

  • Medial epicondyle humerus
  • Fascia antebrachii

Insertion

  • Base 2.metacarpal
  • Base 3.metacarpal

Main function

  • Wrist
    • Flexion
    • Radial deviation

Secondary function

  • Elbow
    • Flexion
    • Pronation

Nerve innervation

  • Segmental
    • C6-C7
  • Peripheral
    • Median nerve

Arterial supply

  • Ulnar artery
  • Radial artery

Palpation

  • Patient position
    • Sitting or supine
  • Place your hand on the palmar side of the wrist
  • Ask the the patient to perform a flexion and radial deviation movement of the wrist
  • Feel for the tendon on the radial side of the hand just laterally to palmaris longus
  • Follow the tendon proximally towards it's origin at the medial epicondyle

Strength test

  • Patient position
    • Sitting or supine
  • Ask the patient to hold the arm in full supination while resting it on the bench
  • Give resistance towards the ulnarside of the patient's hand in the direction of extension so that the patient gives force towards flexion and radial deviation