Extensor Carpi Ulnaris

This section is about
human arm and hand muscles

The extensor carpi ulnaris muscles are superficial muscles located on the dorsal surface of each forearm.

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 Ulnaris muscles:

Points of Origin:

Humeral head:

Lateral epicondyle of the humerus (bone)

Ulnar head:

Upper part of the ulna bone

Point of Insertion:

Base of the 5th metacarpal (hand bone)

Actions:

Adducts the hand towards the ulna bone
Extends the wrist

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

More about Muscles:

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

The structure of muscle tissue
The structure of muscle cells
Labelled diagrams of the muscles in different parts of the body including anterior muscles, posterior muscles and facial muscles
Types of muscle contractions
Movements at joints

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.

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Extensor Carpi Ulnaris

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

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