Flexor Digitorum Profundus

Brian Lee
Aug 28, 2025
Review Pending

Summary

Origins
Proximal three-fourths of anterior and medial 🦴 ulna
Adjacent interosseous membrane
Insertions
Bases of the distal phalanges of digits two through five
Actions
Flexes digits two through five at the distal interphalangeal joints
Assists with wrist flexion

The flexor digitorum profundus lies deep to the flexor digitorum superficialis. Its broad origin on the ulna and interosseous membrane sends four tendons to the fingers. Each tendon passes through the split in the superficial flexor to insert on the distal phalanx, allowing the fingertips to bend.

It works with flexor digitorum superficialis to flex the digits and is an antagonist to the 💪 extensor digitorum.

Illustrations

References