Anterior Forearm and Wrist

Question 1

describe the anterior compartment of the forearm

Answer 1

• flexion of wrist and digits
• pronation
• common flexor origin = medial epicondyle of the humerus
• median nerve dominated

Question 2

describe the palmaris longus

Answer 2

• most superficial
  Attachment:
• medial epicondyle
  Insertion:
• palmar aponeurosis
  Function:
• tighten aponeurosis
• aids with wrist flexion
  Innervation:
• median nerve (C7,8)

Question 3

describe the pronator teres

Answer 3

Attachment:
- medial epicondyle of humerus
- coronoid process of ulna
Insertion:
- lateral surface of radius
Function:
- pronation
Innervation:
- median nerve (C6,7)

Question 4

describe the flexor carpi ulnaris

Answer 4

Attachment:
- medial epicondyle
Insertion:
- base pisiform
- hamate
- 5th metacarpal
Function:
- flexion of wrist
- adduction of wrist
Innervation:
- ulnar nerve (C7,8)

Question 5

describe the flexor carpi radialis

Answer 5

Attachment:
- medial epicondyle
Insertion:
- base 2nd metacarpal
Function:
- abduction of wrist
- flexion of wrist
Innervation:
- median nerve (C6,7)

Question 6

describe the flexor digitorum superficialis

Answer 6

Attachment:
- medial epicondyle of humerus
- coronoid process of ulna
Insertion:
- middle phalanges (lateral) of digits 2-5
Function:
- flexion of metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints
- flex wrist
Innervation:
- median nerve (C7-T1)

Question 7

flexor digitorum profundus

Answer 7

Attachment:
- ulna and interosseous membrane
Insertion:
- distal phalanges digits 2-5
Function:
- flexion of MCP, PIP, and distal interphalangeal joint (DIP) of digits
Innervation:
Ring and pinkie finger = ulnar nerve (C8,T1)
Index and middle finger = median nerve (C8,T1 anterior interosseous)

Question 8

describe the flexor pollicis longus

Answer 8

Attachment:
- radius and interosseous membrane
Insertion:
- distal phalanx of thumb
Function:
- flexion of MCP and IP of thumb
- flexion of wrist
Innervation:
- median nerve (C8,T1 anterior interosseous)

Question 9

describe the pronator quadratus

Answer 9

Attachment:
- distal anterior ulna
Insertion:
- distal anterior radius
Function:
- pronation
- stabilise distal radioulnar joint
Innervation:
- median nerve (C8,T1 anterior interosseous)

Question 10

describe the median nerve

Answer 10

• C6-T1 fibres of medial and lateral cords
• major nerve of anterior compartment
• through carpal tunnel
• main nerve of thumb side of hand
• passes between heads of pronator teres

Question 11

describe the ulnar nerve

Answer 11

• C7-T1 fibres from medial cord
• above carpal tunnel

Question 12

name the bones of the wrist (medial to lateral distal)

Answer 12

• pisiform
• hamate
• capitate
• trapezoid
• trapezium

Question 13

name the bones of the wrist (medial to lateral proximal)

Answer 13

• lunate
• scaphoid

Question 14

describe the wrist joint

Answer 14

• medial and lateral collateral ligaments
• many smaller ligaments between the carpals

Question 15

describe the flexor retinaculum

Answer 15

• roof of carpal tunnel
  medial = pisiform, hook of hamate
  lateral = tubercle of scaphoid and ridge on trapezium
  septum from trapezium - flexor carpi radialis
  attach thenar and hypothenar structures