Anatomy
Origin:
Medial epicondyle of humerus via the common flexor tendon.
Insertion:
Plamar aspect of bases of second and third metacarpal bones (with a slip to the third).
Key Relations:
-The tendon of flexor carpi radialis is considered part of the carpal tunnel, although more accurately it passes through the flexor retinaculum, the cover of the carpal tunnel.
-One of the four muscles in the superficial anterior compartment of the forearm.
Functions
-Flexes the hand at the wrist joint.
-Abducts the hand at the wrist joint (radial deviation) particularly when acting together with extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis.
e.g. as in pulling a rope towards you..
Supply
Nerve Supply:
Median nerve (C6,C7).
Blood Supply:
Ulnar artery.
Clinical
The tendon of flexor carpi radialis is readily palpated, located just lateral of the midline on the anterior of the distal forearm. It is an important landmark when finding the radial pulse which is located just lateral to it.
Again due to the superficial location of the tendon it is often divided in lacerations or sharp injuries.
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