Anatomy
Origin:
Posterior of distal radius and adjacent Interosseus membrane.
Insertion:
Dorsal surface of base of proximal phalanx of thumb.
Key Relations:
-Its tendon together with the tendon of abductor pollicis longus forms the anterior boundary of the anatomical snuff box.
-One of the six muscles in the deep posterior compartment of the forearm.
Functions
-Extends the thumb at the carpometacarpal and metacarpophalangeal joints
-Abducts the thumb at the carpometacarpal and metacarpophalangeal joints
e.g. to give somthing the thumbs up / approve of an idea..
Supply
Nerve Supply:
Posterior Interosseous nerve (C7,C8) (continuation of deep branch of radial nerve).
Blood Supply:
Posterior Interosseous artery.
Clinical
Is affected in radial nerve palsy.
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