Muscle
Flexor carpi ulnaris
Bends the wrist toward the little finger
High-yield
It is supplied by the ulnar nerve. The ulnar part of flexor digitorum profundus is the other major exception to median-nerve supply in the anterior forearm.
Overview
This muscle forms the ulnar edge of the superficial forearm flexors. Its tendon reaches the pisiform, with ligament connections carrying its pull farther into the hand.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Medial humeral epicondyle; a second head arises from the olecranon and posterior ulnar border
- Insertion
- Pisiform, continuing through ligaments to the hamate hook and fifth metacarpal base
- Action
- Flexes the wrist and produces ulnar deviation
- Innervation
- Ulnar nerve; commonly mapped across C7-T1
- Blood supply
- Ulnar artery branches, including the posterior ulnar recurrent supply proximally
Clinical correlation
The ulnar nerve passes between the two muscle heads near the elbow. Compression in this region can contribute to cubital tunnel symptoms, including tingling in the little finger and part of the ring finger.
Frequently asked questions
What does the flexor carpi ulnaris do?
The flexor carpi ulnaris flexes the wrist and produces ulnar deviation.
What nerve innervates the flexor carpi ulnaris?
Ulnar nerve; commonly mapped across C7-T1.
Where does the flexor carpi ulnaris attach?
Origin: Medial humeral epicondyle; a second head arises from the olecranon and posterior ulnar border. Insertion: Pisiform, continuing through ligaments to the hamate hook and fifth metacarpal base.
What is the blood supply of the flexor carpi ulnaris?
The flexor carpi ulnaris is supplied by the ulnar artery branches, including the posterior ulnar recurrent supply proximally.