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The extensor carpi radialisExtensor / Abductor Back of forearm; extends wrist and moves hand toward thumb side., along with other arm extensors, is located on the posterior side of the arm. As the term radialis suggests, it is on the lateralAway from the midline of the body. side of the posterior side of the arm.

Photography, text, and labels by Rob Swatski, Assistant Professor of Biology, Harrisburg Area Community College – York Campus, York, PA.
Use this 3D Viewer to Explore Forearm Muscles
“Open3DModel – Forearm – Anterior compartment muscles – English labels” by Open3D project, Jan Kooloos, RadboudUMC, Eungyeol Lee, LUMC et al, license: CC BY-SA
Origin
The ECR brevis starts at the lateral epicondyle of the humerusLong bone of the upper arm; articulates with scapula at shoulder and radius/ulna at elbow.. This is a bony prominence on the lateral side of the lower end of the humerus.
The ECR longus muscle originates from the lateral supracondylar ridge of the humerus. This ridge is a bony feature on the lateral side of the distal humerus.
Insertion
The ECR longus inserts onto the baseA substance that accepts hydrogen ions (H⁺) or releases hydroxide ions (OH⁻). of the second metacarpal bone. It is one of the long bones in the hand. The insertion occurs specifically at the dorsalRelating to the back side of the body. aspect of the base.
Actions
Wrist Extension
Radial Deviation of the Wrist
Assistance in Stabilizing the Wrist
Support for Fine Motor Movements
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List of terms
- extensor carpi radialis
- lateral
- anatomy
- humerus
- base
- dorsal