Extensor carpi radialis

M. extensor carpi radialis

The most cranial muscle of the forearm; extends the carpus.

Draft, not yet reviewed by a veterinarian. Content may contain errors. It is published so the community can review it.

This piece is a schematic shape, not a scan: there is no freely licensed model for this structure yet.

3D model of this piece: Vet Atlas procedural musculature, CC BY-SA 4.0

Overview

Its belly lies on the cranial surface of the forearm and continues as two tendons crossing the dorsal surface of the carpus.

Lateral supracondylar crest of the humerus.

Dorsal surface of the bases of metacarpal bones II and III.

Extends the carpus.

Radial nerve (n. radialis).

It is used in the neurological examination: tapping its belly extends the carpus (extensor carpi radialis reflex), which tests the radial nerve.