Extensor Pollicis Longus
Original Editor - Uchechukwu Chukwuemeka
Top Contributors - Uchechukwu Chukwuemeka, Kim Jackson, Shaimaa Eldib and Aya Alhindi
This article or area is currently under construction and may only be partially complete. Please come back soon to see the finished work! (10/10/2020)
Description[edit | edit source]
Extensor pollicis longus (EPL) is a long muscle located at the deep layer with extensor pollicis brevis, abductor pollicis longus, extensor indicis, and supinator muscle in the posterior compartment of the forearm.[1] It originates from the mid-third of the ulna, and interosseous membrane then courses down to the distal phalanx of the thumb. Though it is situated at the forearm, it is classified as part of the extrinsic muscles of the hand as it's function is seen in thumb movement.[1]
Origin[edit | edit source]
Insertion[edit | edit source]
Nerve[edit | edit source]
It is innervated by the deep branch of the radial nerve via the posterior interosseous nerve (7th and 8th cervical nerve root).[2]
Artery[edit | edit source]
Function[edit | edit source]
- The EPL mainly hyper-/extends the interphalangeal joint of the distal phalanx of the thumb.
- It also serves as accessory extensors of the metacarpophalangeal of the proximal phalanx and carpometacarpal joints of the first metacarpal.
- It may also assist in wrist joint extension.
Clinical relevance[edit | edit source]
Tenosynovitis is a relatively common inflammatory irritation of the synovial sheath, after repetitive activities such as playing drum.
Assessment[edit | edit source]
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Resources[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Drake RL, Vogl W, Mitchell AW, Gray H. Gray's anatomy for Students 2nd edition. Philadelphia : Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, 2010.
- ↑ Department of Radiology; University of Washington. Available from: https://rad.washington.edu/muscle-atlas/extensor-pollicis-longus/ (accessed 10 October 2020)
