Extensor carpi radialis longus muscle

Extensor carpi radialis longus muscle is a muscle located in the forearm of the human body. It is one of the five main muscles that control movements at the wrist. This muscle is quite long, starting on the lateral side of the humerus, and attaching to the base of the second metacarpal bone (metacarpal of the index finger).

Etymology

The name "extensor carpi radialis longus" is Latin for "long radial extender of the wrist". The term "extensor" comes from the Latin "extendere", meaning "to stretch out", "carpi" is derived from "carpus", the Latin term for "wrist", "radialis" is derived from "radius", the Latin term for "spoke of a wheel" or "ray", and "longus" is derived from the Latin term for "long".

Structure

The extensor carpi radialis longus originates from the lateral supracondylar ridge of the humerus and from the lateral intermuscular septum. Its insertion is at the dorsal surface of the base of the second metacarpal bone, on its radial side. It shares this insertion with the extensor carpi radialis brevis.

Function

The extensor carpi radialis longus muscle, as its name suggests, serves to extend and abduct the wrist. This means it helps in movements that increase the angle between the hand and the front of the forearm, and movements that move the hand away from the body when it is in anatomical position.

Clinical significance

Injury to the extensor carpi radialis longus muscle can result in a loss of ability to extend and abduct the wrist. This can significantly impact a person's ability to perform daily tasks, such as lifting objects or typing.

See also

• List of muscles of the human body
• Extensor carpi radialis brevis
• Extensor carpi ulnaris muscle
• Extensor digitorum muscle
• Extensor indicis muscle

References

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