Muscles of the Posterior Forearm Flashcards
What are the muscles in the posterior compartment of the forearm commonly known as?
The extensor muscles
What is the general function of the muscles of the posterior compartment of the forearm?
To produce extension at the wrist and fingers
What are the extensor muscles innervated by?
The radial nerve
What can the muscles of the posterior forearm be divided into?
Two layers, deep and superficial
What divides the layers of muscles in the posterior forearm?
A layer of fascia
How many muscles are in the superficial layer of the posterior forearm?
6
What are the muscles of the superficial layer of the posterior forearm?
Brachioradialis Extensor carpi radialis longus Extensor carpi radialis brevis Extensor digitorum Extensor digiti minimi Extensor carpi ulnaris
What muscles share a common tendinous origin at the lateral epicondyle?
Extensor carpi radialis longus
Extensor digitorum
Extensor digiti minimi
Extensor carpi ulnaris
Why is the brachioradialis a paradoxical muscle?
Because its origin and innervation are characteristic of an extensor muscle, but its actually a flexor at the elbow
When is the brachioradialis most visible?
When the forearm is half pronated, and flexing elbow against resistance
Where are the radial artery and nerve found in the distal forearm?
Sandwiched between the brachioradialis and the deep flexor muscles
What is the innervation of the brachioradialis?
Radial nerve (C5, C6, C7)
What is the arterial supply of the brachioradialis?
Radial recurrent artery
What is the main action of the brachioradialis?
Relatively weak flexion of the forearm, maximal when the forearm is in mid-pronated position
Where are the extensor carpi radialis muscles situated?
On the lateral aspect of the posterior forearm
What are the extensor carpi radialis muscles able to do due to their position?
Produce abduction as well as extension at the wrist
What is the innervation of the ECRL?
Radial nerve (C6, C7)
What is the arterial supply of the ECRL?
Radial artery
What is the innervation of the ECRB?
Deep branch of radial nerve (C7, C8)
What is the arterial supply of the ECRB?
Radial artery
What is the main action of the extensor carpi radialis muscles?
Extend and abduct the hand at the wrist joint
ECRL active during fist clenching
How is the function of the extensor digitorum tested?
The forearm is pronated, and the fingers extended against resistance
What is the innervation of the extensor digitorum?
Deep branch of radial nerve (C7, C8)
What is the arterial supply of the extensor digitorum?
Recurrent interosseous artery
Posterior interosseous artery
What is the action of the extensor digitorum?
Extends medial four digits primarily at metacarpophalangeal joints, secondarily at interphalangeal joints
What is true in some people regarding the extensor digiti minimi?
This muscle and the extensor digitorum muscle are fused together
Where does the extensor digiti minimi (EDM) lie?
Medially to the extensor digitorum
What is the innervation of the EDM?
Deep branch of radial nerve (C7, C8)