Extensor carpi radialis longus (Musculus extensor carpi radialis longus)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
A superficial posterior muscle from the lateral supracondylar ridge ending by a short tendon on the second metacarpal base; with brachioradialis it bounds the lateral cubital fossa.
Origin & insertion
Lower third of the lateral supracondylar ridge and lateral septum.
Action
Extends and radially deviates the wrist and stabilises it in the power grip.
Innervation
Radial nerve (C6–C7).
Clinical notes
Its tendinopathy at the lateral epicondyle merges symptomatically with tennis elbow; radial-sided forearm ache after prolonged typing is its usual site.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Extensor carpi radialis longus?
A superficial posterior muscle from the lateral supracondylar ridge ending by a short tendon on the second metacarpal base; with brachioradialis it bounds the lateral cubital fossa.
Why is the Extensor carpi radialis longus clinically important?
Its tendinopathy at the lateral epicondyle merges symptomatically with tennis elbow; radial-sided forearm ache after prolonged typing is its usual site.
Source & license
BodyParts3D, © The Database Center for Life Science licensed under CC Attribution 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). license details