Summary
Origins
- Medial epicondyle of the 🦴 humerus via the common flexor tendon
Insertions
- Base of the second and third metacarpals
Actions
- Wrist flexion
- Wrist abduction
The flexor carpi radialis forms a slender medial border to the wrist's flexor mass. It springs from the medial epicondyle beside the pronator teres, then courses along the forearm with a distinct fascial groove separating it from the palmaris longus. Its long tendon slides through a special tunnel within the flexor retinaculum to reach the bases of the second and third metacarpals.
Acting with flexor carpi ulnaris it flexes the wrist, while its radial pull balances the ulnar vector of that partner to keep the hand level. During gripping the muscle teams with flexor digitorum superficialis. Together they steady the carpus against the opposing force of extensor carpi radialis longus and extensor carpi radialis brevis. Understanding the interplay of these tendons helps artists describe the shifting cords across the ventral forearm.
Related Muscles
- pronator teres
- palmaris longus
- flexor carpi ulnaris
- flexor digitorum superficialis
- extensor carpi radialis longus
- extensor carpi radialis brevis