Muscle
Flexor carpi radialis
Bends the wrist toward the thumb side
High-yield
The radial artery lies on the radial side of this tendon near the wrist. Flexor carpi radialis bends the wrist and adds radial deviation.
Overview
This superficial forearm flexor pulls on the bases of the second and third metacarpals. Its tendon is a useful landmark at the front of the wrist.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Common flexor attachment at the humeral medial epicondyle
- Insertion
- Palmar base of the second metacarpal, with an additional attachment to the third
- Action
- Flexes the wrist and draws the hand toward the radius
- Innervation
- Median nerve, chiefly C6-C7
- Blood supply
- Radial and ulnar-system branches, including recurrent vessels near the elbow
Clinical correlation
Clinicians use the tendon as one landmark when locating the radial pulse. Arterial position can vary, so a surface landmark alone does not establish the exact course of the vessel.
Frequently asked questions
What does the flexor carpi radialis do?
The flexor carpi radialis flexes the wrist and draws the hand toward the radius.
What nerve innervates the flexor carpi radialis?
The flexor carpi radialis is innervated by the median nerve, chiefly C6-C7.
Where does the flexor carpi radialis attach?
The flexor carpi radialis originates from the common flexor attachment at the humeral medial epicondyle and inserts on the palmar base of the second metacarpal, with an additional attachment to the third.
What is the blood supply of the flexor carpi radialis?
The flexor carpi radialis is supplied by the radial and ulnar-system branches, including recurrent vessels near the elbow.