A part of the Wrist Flexor Group.
Summary
Origins
- Humeral head: medial epicondyle of the 🦴 humerus via the common flexor tendon
- Ulnar head: 📍 olecranon process and posterior border of the 🦴 ulna
Insertions
- Pisiform bone
- Hook of the hamate
- Base of the 5th metacarpal
Actions
- Wrist flexion
- Ulnar deviation (adduction) of the wrist
The flexor carpi ulnaris is the stoutest member of the superficial wrist flexor group. A humeral head springs from the medial epicondyle beside the flexor digitorum superficialis, while an ulnar head emerges from the olecranon and posterior border of the ulna. The two bellies converge into a flat tendon that hugs the ulnar groove to the pisiform and hamate hook, then anchors on the base of the fifth metacarpal.
Acting with flexor carpi radialis it flexes the wrist, but its ulnar pull gives the hand a medial sweep that defines the heel of the palm. palmaris longus rides between the pair, a useful landmark for finding the ulnar nerve and artery that pass deep to their tendons. The muscle stabilizes the carpus for finger flexors like the flexor digitorum superficialis and flexor digitorum profundus, and counterbalances extensor carpi ulnaris during forceful grips.
Related Muscles
- flexor carpi radialis
- palmaris longus
- flexor digitorum superficialis
- flexor digitorum profundus
- extensor carpi ulnaris
References
- Wikipedia
- Hale and Coyle 1977, 156, 160, 178, 182, 253, 254, 255, 256.