Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus

Extensor carpi radialis longus is one of the five main muscles that control movement at the wrist. This muscle is quite long, starting on the lateral side of the humerus, and attaching to the base of the second metacarpal bone of the index finger.

Anatomy of the Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus

The extensor carpi radialis longus is innervated by the radial nerve and originates from the lower third of the lateral supracondylar ridge of the humerus, from the lateral intermuscular septum, and by a few fibers from the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.

The fibres end at the upper third of the forearm in a flat tendon, which runs along the lateral border of the radius, beneath the Abductor pollicis longus and Extensor pollicis brevis.

It then passes beneath the dorsal carpal ligament, where it lies in a groove on the back of the radius common to it and the Extensor carpi radialis brevis, immediately behind the styloid process. It is inserted into the dorsal surface of the base of the second metacarpal bone, on its radial side.

Functions of the Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus

The extensor carpi radialis longus is an extensor at the wrist joint, and travels along the radial side of the arm, so will also abduct the hand at the wrist. It manipulates the wrist so as to move the hand towards the thumb and away from the palm.

You will normally need the muscle while typing in your daily activities.

Some of the best exercises to strengthen this muscle include the wrist extensor stretch and wrist extension using a resistance band.

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