Forearm Extensor Muscles

• Extensors of the Wrist and Fingers:

  • Superficial layer:
  • Extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL)
  • Extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB)
  • Extensor digiti minimi (EDM)
  • Extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU)
  • Extensor digitorum (ED)
  • Deep layer:
  • Extensor indicis (EI)
  • Extensor pollicis longus (EPL)
  • Extensor pollicis brevis (EPB)
  • Abductor pollicis longus (EPL)
• Functions of forearm and finger extensors:

  • Finger flexion (e.g. gripping) accompanied by wrist extension to avoid active insufficiency of long finger flexors
  • Abduction/extension of thumb important for function of hand: opening hand to grip objects