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The Palmaris Longus is in the Superficial Layer of the Anterior Compartment of the forearm. It is also a member of the Wrist Flexor Group; the muscles of the wrist flexor group are:
- Flexor carpi radialis
- Palmaris longus
- Flexor carpi ulnaris
ATTACHMENTS:
- Medial epicondyle of the humerus via the common flexor belly/tendon to the palmar fascia.
- The distal attachment is into the palmar aponeurosis and the transverse carpal ligament (aka flexor retinaculum).
ACTIONS:
- Flexes the hand at the wrist joint.
- Wrinkles the skin of the palm.
- Flexes the forearm at the elbow joint.
- Pronates the forearm at the radioulnar joints.
NOTES:
- The palmaris longus is one of five muscles of the common flexor belly/tendon that is involved with medial elbow tendinopathy (aka golfer’s elbow).
- Wrinkling the skin of the palm helps to increase strength and security when an object is grasped.
- The palmaris longus is absent either unilaterally or bilaterally in approximately 10-20% of people.
