Extensor Carpi Digitorum

This section is about
human arm and hand muscles

Diagram of Posterior Muscles of the Human Body

The extensor carpi digitorum muscles are deep muscles located on the dorsal surface of each hand.

In general an 'extensor' muscle is one that causes the extension (straightening) of a limb or other part of the body.

Origin, Insertion and Actions of the Extensor Carpi Digitorum muscles:

Point of Origin:
Points of Insertion:
  • Phalanges of the fingers, via tendons to digits 2-5
Actions:
  • Extends the hands and fingers
  • Extends the wrist

The approximate locations of the extensor carpi digitorum muscles are labelled on our diagram of human posterior muscles.

Note that although extensor carpi digitorum muscles have been included on the syllabuses for some examination courses (incl. e.g. ITEC's Unit 413 'Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Exercise' and its Anatomy & Physiology Syllabus 2007 - details at www.itecworld.co.uk, and VTCT Body Massage Unit V30424 - details at http://qualifications.vtct.org.uk), these muscles do not appear in many of the most popular textbooks. Basic information about these deep muscles appears in some medical texts.

More about Muscles:

The following are some popular pages in the section about the human muscular system:

There are also more pages about the words used to describe muscles (terminology), the anatomy and physiology of muscles, muscular disorders and associated topics. See also books about sports medicine.

This may be useful study or revision material for students following courses in human anatomy, sports science, massage, physiotherapy or other subjects that require knowledge of the muscular structures of the human body.

Click for pages related to muscles

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