Anatomy
Origin:
Anterior surface of middle third of radius and adjacent interosseous membrane.
Insertion:
Base of the distal phalanx of thumb.
Key Relations:
-The tendons of flexor pollicis longus passes through the carpal tunnel as it enter the palm of the hand.
-One of the three muscles in the deep anterior compartment of the forearm.
Functions
-Flexes the interphalangeal joints of the thumb,
-Flexes the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb.
-Assists in flexing the wrist.
e.g. pinching or gripping something tightly..
Supply
Nerve Supply:
Anterior interosseous nerve a branch of the median nerve (C8,T1).
Blood Supply:
Anterior interosseous artery.
Clinical
Clinical testing is done by checking thumb flexion against resistance.
Injuries to tendons are particularly difficult to recover from. This is due to the limited blood supply they receive.
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