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Flexor Carpi Ulnaris Anatomy: Origin, Insertion, Action

Flexor Carpi Ulnaris Anatomy

Flexor Carpi Ulnaris Muscle

Origin:  Humeral head: medial epicondyle via the common flexor tendon.
Ulnar head: medial aspect of the olecranon and the proximal three-fifths of the dorsal ulnar shaft
Insertion:  Pisiform and hamate bones (via the pisohamate ligament).
Base of the fifth metacarpal
Actions: Flexion of the wrist
Innervation: Ulnar nerve (C8, T1)
Blood Supply: Muscular branches from the ulnar artery

Primary Actions of the Flexor Carpi Ulnaris

1.  Flexion of the wrist

  Agonists:

  • Palmaris Longus
  • Flexor Carpi Radialis

  Antagonists:

  • Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus
  • Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis
  • Extensor Carpi Ulnaris

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Secondary Actions of the Flexor Carpi Ulnaris

1. Assists with ulnar deviation of the wrist

  Agonists:

  • Extensor Carpi Ulnaris

  Antagonists:

  • Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus
  • Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis
  • Flexor Carpi Radialis

2. Helps stabilize wrist to permit strong thumb motion