Muscle
Extensor digitorum
Main finger extensor
High-yield
Extends the MCP joints of the four fingers via extensor expansions; posterior interosseous nerve (deep radial).
Overview
The principal extensor of the fingers, its four tendons crossing the dorsum of the hand and forming the extensor expansions.
Reference facts
- Origin
Lateral epicondyle of the humerus (common extensor origin)
- Insertion
Extensor expansions of the medial four fingers (middle and distal phalanges)
- Action
Extends the fingers at the MCP joints and assists wrist extension
- Innervation
Posterior interosseous nerve (deep branch of radial, C7, C8)
- Blood supply
Posterior interosseous artery