This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Extensor digitorum muscle (forearm, anatomy)

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Extensor digitorum is one of the superficial layer of muscles on the extensor surface of the forearm. It arises from the common extensor origin on the anterior aspect of the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. Passing distally, it occupies most of the posterior aspect of the forearm.

It divides into four tendon slips proximal to the wrist. These pass under the extensor retinaculum within a common synovial sheath. The tendons insert into the extensor expansions of the fingers: the middle slip of each tendon supplies the base of the middle phalange; the two outer slips of each tendon pass to bases of the distal phalanges. Tendons to the ring and little fingers often fuse. The contribution to the little finger extensor hood may only be a small slip.

Extensor digitorum extends the:

  • wrist
  • fingers at the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints

It is supplied by the posterior interosseous nerve, a branch of the radial nerve (C7,C8).


Create an account to add page annotations

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.