The extensor digitorum communis is an extensor of the wrist and fingers. The extensor digitorum communis is the primary extensor of the lateral four fingers IP joint and assists in wrist extension.
The muscles that produce extension of the finger joints and wrist are the extensor muscles. In the forearm, the specific extensor muscles responsible for extension of the fingers and wrist include the extensor digitorum and extensor carpi radialis muscles.
The extensor muscles of the wrist and digits are responsible for extending the wrist joint and fingers. These muscles work in coordination to help move the hand and fingers upward and away from the palm. Strengthening these muscles can improve wrist and finger mobility and function.
The primary muscles responsible for movement and stability in the arm from the elbow to the wrist are the flexor and extensor muscles. These muscles allow for bending and straightening of the arm, as well as controlling movements of the wrist and fingers.
The muscles which allow you to extend your wrist and flare your fingers are the flexor muscles in the wrist and the prime movers in the fingers. These muscles will coordinate to adduct the wrist and the fingers.
Wrist extension is primarily caused by the contraction of the extensor muscles located in the forearm, particularly the extensor carpi radialis longus, extensor carpi radialis brevis, and extensor carpi ulnaris. These muscles work to pull the back of the hand and fingers upward, increasing the angle between the dorsal side of the hand and the forearm. This movement is often facilitated by the synergistic action of other muscles and tendons around the wrist joint. Additionally, wrist extension can be influenced by the positioning of the fingers and overall hand posture.
When fingers are extended and splayed, the primary muscles involved are the extensor digitorum, which extends the fingers at the metacarpophalangeal joints, and the intrinsic muscles of the hand, particularly the dorsal interossei, which help to abduct the fingers. The extensor tendons facilitate extension, while the interossei muscles provide the necessary spread between the fingers. Additionally, the extensor indicis and extensor digiti minimi can assist in extending the index and little fingers, respectively. Overall, this action is coordinated to allow for a wide range of finger movement and function.
Extension of the wrist is done by both the Extensor Carpi Radialis and the Extensor Carpi Ulnaris muscles, while abduction of the wrist is done by both the Extensor Carpi Radialis and Flexor Carpi Radialis.
The extensor digitorum lateralis is responsible for extending the lateral four digits (fingers) at the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints. It helps in straightening and spreading the fingers.
The agonist muscles responsible for wrist extension (or hypertension) include the extensor carpi radialis longus, extensor carpi radialis brevis, and extensor carpi ulnaris. These muscles work together to extend the wrist, allowing for movements such as lifting or pushing. They are primarily innervated by the radial nerve. Additionally, the extensor digitorum can assist in wrist extension during finger movements.
The wrist flexor that follows the ulna is the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. It originates from the medial epicondyle of the humerus and inserts on the pisiform and the hamate bones of the wrist. Its primary function is wrist flexion and ulnar deviation.
Extensor carpi ulnaris
An exception to this generalization is the extensor-flexor musculature of the forearm. In this region, the extensor muscles primarily control extension of the wrist and fingers, while the flexor muscles primarily control flexion. This muscle group plays a crucial role in intricate hand movements and grip strength.