- Click here for access to the full Anatomy Glossary.
- Right click on the image for a downloadable file of this muscle.
- Use of this artwork requires proper credit to be given (Permission: Dr. Joe Muscolino. www.learnmuscles.com – art work Giovanni Rimasti)
The Flexor Pollicis Longus is in the Deep Layer of the Anterior Forearm Compartment.
The Flexor Pollicis Longus has two heads: Radial Head and Humeroulnar Head.
ATTACHMENTS:
- Anterior radius to the thumb
- The humeroulnar head attaches onto the medial epicondyle of the humerus and the coronoid process of the ulna.
- The distal tendon attaches onto the anterior surface of the distal phalanx.
ACTIONS:
- Flexes the thumb at the carpometacarpal, metacarpophalangeal, and proximal and distal interphalangeal joints.
- Flexes the hand at the wrist joint.
- Flexes the forearm at the elbow joint.
- Pronates the forearm at the radioulnar joints.
NOTES:
- The distal tendon of the flexor pollicis longus runs through the carpal tunnel and can be involved with carpal tunnel syndrome.
- The humeroulnar head is often extremely small or missing entirely.