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Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus Anatomy: Origin, Insertion, Action

Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus Anatomy

Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus Muscle

Origin:  Proximally to the lateral supracondylar ridge of humerus
Insertion:  Distally, to the back base of the second metacarpal bone
Actions: Extension of the wrist
Innervation: Radial nerve (C5, C6)
Blood Supply: Radial recurrent artery from the radial artery

Primary Actions of the Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus

1. Extension of the wrist
Agonists:

  • Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis
  • Extensor Carpi Ulnaris

Antagonists:

  • Flexor Carpi Radialis
  • Palmaris Longus
  • Flexor Carpi Ulnaris

2. Radial Deviation of the wrist
Agonists:

  • Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis
  • Flexor Carpi Radialis

Antagonists:

  • Flexor Carpi Ulnaris
  • Extensor Carpi Ulnaris

Extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus assist with radial deviation of the wrist

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