Flexor carpi radialis
Musculus flexor carpi radialis
Also known as: FCR
A superficial forearm flexor from the medial epicondyle to the base of the 2nd metacarpal. It flexes and radially deviates the wrist.
Overview
Flexor carpi radialis arises from the common flexor origin and runs to the wrist, where its tendon passes through its own groove in the trapezium, in a separate compartment of the flexor retinaculum. It inserts on the base of the 2nd (and 3rd) metacarpal. At the wrist, its tendon is a key surface landmark. The radial artery pulse is felt just lateral to it, and the median nerve lies just medial to it, deep to palmaris longus. With the radial extensors it abducts the wrist (radial deviation); with FCU it flexes it.
Anatomy
- Origin
Medial epicondyle of the humerus (common flexor origin).
- Insertion
Base of the 2nd metacarpal (and 3rd).
- Action
Flexion and abduction (radial deviation) of the wrist.
- Innervation
Median nerve.
- Nerve roots
C6–C7
- Arterial supply
Radial and ulnar arteries.
- Relations
The radial artery lies lateral to its tendon at the wrist. The median nerve lies between it and palmaris longus.
Function
- Flexes the wrist
- Abducts (radially deviates) the wrist
Clinical significance
Radial pulse and arterial access
The radial artery is palpated or cannulated just lateral to the FCR tendon, over the distal radius.
Compiled from standard anatomy and physiology references — see the Muscular System sources. For education only; not medical advice.