AnatoMemory

Muscle

Flexor carpi radialis

Flexes and abducts the wrist

Upper limbMuscular system

High-yield

Tendon lies just lateral to palmaris longus; flexes and radially deviates (abducts) the wrist. Median nerve.

Overview

A superficial flexor whose tendon is a landmark lateral to palmaris longus at the wrist, next to the radial artery pulse.

Reference facts

Origin
Medial epicondyle of the humerus (common flexor origin)
Insertion
Bases of the 2nd and 3rd metacarpals
Action
Flexes and abducts (radially deviates) the wrist
Innervation
Median nerve (C6, C7)
Blood supply
Radial and ulnar arteries

Frequently asked questions

What does the flexor carpi radialis do?

The flexor carpi radialis flexes and abducts (radially deviates) the wrist.

What nerve innervates the flexor carpi radialis?

The flexor carpi radialis is innervated by the median nerve (C6, C7).

Where does the flexor carpi radialis attach?

The flexor carpi radialis originates from the medial epicondyle of the humerus (common flexor origin) and inserts on the bases of the 2nd and 3rd metacarpals.

What is the blood supply of the flexor carpi radialis?

The flexor carpi radialis is supplied by the radial and ulnar arteries.