Muscles of the Forearm

Dr. Sama ul Haque

Objectives
Identify the muscles in the anterior and posterior compartments of the forearm in terms of their origin, insertion, nerve supply and actions. Know the neurovascular structures in the anterior and posterior compartments of the forearm. Discuss the functions of the muscles in the anterior and posterior compartment of the forearm.

Functional organization of Anterior and posterior Compartments of forearm.

Names of the Muscles of forearm

Long names: good guide to location and function Location: ie. superficial / deep radial / ulnar Function: ie. flexor / extensor adductor / abductor Does it act on the thumb (pollux) or the fingers (digits)?

Functional Organization
Anterior compartment flexor / pronator Posterior Compartment extensor / supinator Flex the wrist [flexor] Extend the wrist ..[extensor] Pronate the forearm ..[pronator] Acting on wrist (carpus) only [carpi] Acting on fingers ..[digiti / digitorum] Acting on thumb (pollux) [pollicus]

Flexion / Extension at the wrist joint.

Extension

Flexion

Adduction / abduction at the wrist joint.

Adduction

Abduction

Movements of fingers.
Metacarpophalangeal (condyloid joints): flexion / extension and abduction / adduction Interphalangeal (hinge joints): flexion / extension

Movements of the thumb a specialized digit, occur at right angles to the fingers. Mainly at the Carpometacarpal (saddle) joint. MCP condyloid; IP hinge (like fingers).

Radius and Ulna

Radius and Ulna (Pronated)

Muscles of the anterior compartment of forearm

Muscles of the anterior compartment of forearm

Anterior Compartment of forearm

Superficial: Common flexor origin Pronator Teres Flexor Carpi Radialis Palmaris Longus Flexor Digitorum Superficialis, Flexor Carpi Ulnaris

Anterior Compartment of forearm

Functional organization: Only flex at the wrist. Flexor carpi radialis Palmaris longus Flexor carpi ulnaris

Anterior Compartment of forearm

Deep Dissection Forearm (Anterior)

Neurovasculature of Anterior Compartment of forearm

Muscles of the posterior compartment of forearm

Muscles of the posterior compartment of forearm

Muscles of the posterior compartment of forearm

Muscles of Forearm

Muscles of the Forearm (Post. View)

Anconeus

Posterior Forearm (Superficial dissection)

Nerve Supply Radial Nerve Anatomical snuff box

Deep Posterior Compartment Abductor Pollicis Longus Extensor Pollicis Brevis Extensor Pollicis Longus Extensor Indicis Supinator

Functional Organization:
Extend Hand At Wrist Extend / Abduct Thumb Extend Index Finger Supinate

Deep Dissection Forearm (Posterior)

Superior and Inferior radioulnar Joints

Superior radioulnar Joint: Head of radius articulates with radial notch of ulna Type: Pivot joint). It is held in place by the annular ligament. Radio-ulnar articulation is stabilized by interosseous membrane. Inferior radioulnar Joint:

Supination and Pronation

Course of radial and ulnar arteries in forearm

Neurovasculature (deep). Lateral: - radial artery - radial nerve Midline: - median nerve - anterior interosseus a. - anterior interosseus n. (deep branch of median) Medial: - ulnar artery
(gives off common interosseus artery divides into anterior and posterior branches)

- ulner nerve

Neurovasculature. Radial nerve and its branches supply all muscles in posterior compartment, including Brachioradialis (!). - superficial radial nerve - deep radial nerve - posterior interosseous nerve.

Posterior interosseous artery runs between superficial and deep muscles

Radial & Ulnar Arteries

lateral medial Ulnar artery
Common interosseous Dorsal and palmer carpal branches Deep (superficial) palmar arches Anterior Posterior

Radial artery

Dorsal and palmer carpal branches

superficial (deep)palmar arches

RELATION OF ARTERIES, NERVES AND TENDONS AT THE WRIST

NANAN Superficial Radial Nerve Radial Artery Median Nerve Ulnar Artery Ulnar Nerve

MOVING LATERAL TO MEDIAL 1-9 1. Brachioradialis 6. Flexor Digitorum Superficialis 7. Ulnar Artery 8. Ulnar Nerve

2. Superficial Radial n.
3. Radial Artery 4. Flexor Carpi Radialis

9. Flexor Carpi Ulnaris

5. Median Nerve

Thumb