Flexor Pollicis Longus Muscle
Origin: Medial epicondyle of the humerus via the common flexor tendon
Insertion: Central portion of the flexor retinaculum and superficial portion of the palmar aponeurosis
Actions: Assists with flexion of the wrist
Innervation: Median nerve (C7, C8)
Blood Supply: Muscular branches from the ulnar artery
Primary Actions of the Flexor Pollicis Longus
1. Flexion of the thumb at the interphalangeal joint
Agonists:
- None
Antagonists:
- Extensor pollicis longus
2. Flexion of the thumb at the carpometacarpal joint
Agonists:
- Flexor Pollicis Brevis
- Adductor Pollicis
- Opponens Pollicis
Antagonists:
- Extensor Pollicis Brevis
- Abductor Pollicis Longus
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Secondary Actions of the Flexor Pollicis Longus
1. Assists with flexion of the thumb at the metacarpophalangeal joint
Agonists:
- Flexor Pollicis Brevis
Antagonists:
- Extensor Pollicis Brevis
- Extensor Pollicis Longus
- Abductor Pollicis Longus
2. Assists with flexion of wrist
Agonists:
- Flexor Carpi Radialis Longus
- Palmaris Longus
- Flexor Carpi Ulnaris
Antagonists:
- Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus
- Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis
- Extensor Carpi Ulnaris
Flexor digitorum superficialis and flexor digitorum profundus also assist with flexion of the wrist.
Information about cause and effect of Flexor Pollicis Longus pain: Flexor Pollicis Longus Muscle: Thumb Pain
An excellent book for those beginning the study of anatomy. Coloring helps memory retention.
For intermediary anatomy students learning skeletal and muscle structure.
For beginning and intermediary anatomy . Muscle overlays on the human body. Excellent visuals!