Posterior Compartment of the Forearm

Question 1

What are the muscles of the superficial layer of the posterior compartment of the forearm?

Answer 1

Thumb side, getting lower :
- Brachioradialis
- Extensor carpi radialis longus
- Extensor carpi radialis brevis

Middle posterior forearm
- Extensor digitorum

Pinky side, getting lower :
- Anconeus
- Extensor carpi ulnaris
- Extensor digiti minimi (more medial)

Question 2

What are the muscles of the deep layer of the posterior compartment of the forearm?

Answer 2

Getting lower (roughly) :
- Supinator (medial)

• Abductor pollicis longus (thumbwards)
• Extensor pollicis longus (thumbwards)
• Extensor pollicis brevis (thumbwards)
• Extensor indices (towards index finger)

Question 3

What are the muscles of the posterior compartment of the forearm innervated by?

Answer 3

All radial nerve

Question 4

What is the action of the muscles of the posterior compartment of the forearm?

Answer 4

• Extension of the wrist and digits
• Abduction and adduction of the wrist
• Supination of the forearm