Flexor Digitorum Superficialis

The Flexor digitorum superficialis is sometimes also known as Flexor Digitorum Sublimis. The Flexor digitorum superficialis is an extrinsic flexor muscle of the fingers at the proximal interphalangeal joints.

It is in the anterior compartment of the forearm. It is sometimes considered to be the deepest part of the superficial layer of this compartment, and sometimes considered to be a distinct, "intermediate layer" of this compartment.

Anatomy of the Flexor Digitorum Superficialis

The Flexor digitorum superficialis is supplied by the median nerve and has two classically described heads - the humeroulnar and radial - and it is between these heads that the median nerve and ulnar artery pass.

Four long tendons come off the flexor digitorum superficialis near the wrist and travel through the carpal tunnel formed by the flexor retinaculum. These tendons, along with those of flexor digitorum profundus, are enclosed by a common flexor sheath.

The tendons attach to the anterior margins on the bases of the middle phalanges of the four fingers. These tendons have a split at the end of them through which the tendons of flexor digitorum profundus pass.

Functions of the Flexor Digitorum Superficialis

The primary function of flexor digitorum superficialis is flexion of the middle phalanges of the fingers at the proximal interphalangeal joints; however under continued action it also flexes the metacarpophalangeal joints and wrist joint.

In other words it aids in the flexion of the wrist and the flexion of the fingers.

The muscle can be strengthened by exercises that include the wrist flexion stretch and wrist flexion using a resistance band.

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