Wrist Flexors

Wrist flexors are also known as the inner forearm or hand flexors.

Anatomy of the Wrist Flexors

Wrist flexors are made up of six heads that perform different functions. These are

• Flexor Digitorum Superficialis,
• Flexor Digitorum Profundus which has four heads,
• Flexor Carpi Radialis,
• Flexor Carpi Ulnaris,
• Palmaris Longus, and
• Flexor Pollicis Longus

Wrist flexors will normally attach to the humerus, ulna or the radius. They also insert into the fingers, thumb, metacarpals or carpals.

Functions of the Wrist Flexors

Wrist flexors function to help in the movement of:

1. The wrist - through flexion and abduction,
2. The fingers - through flexion and abduction,
3. The thumb - through flexion, and
4. The elbow - through flexion

Flexion refers to bending the joint resulting in a decrease of angle. For example, moving the palm of the hand toward the front of the forearm.

Abduction refers to movement either toward or away from the midline of the body. For example, moving the thumb side of the hand toward the lateral side of the forearm.

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