Click on the structure to specify the target of your label
 |
 |
 |
||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
01 |  |
Extensor digitorum
Other Terms:
Musculus extensor digitorum,
Muscle extenseur commun des doigts
Muscle parts
None
Latin name
Musculus extensor digitorum
Latin muscle parts
None
Group
Antebrachial muscle – posterior compartment - lateral group
Etymology
In English this muscle’s name is the muscle that straightens the fingers. The word extensor comes from the Latin ex meaning “out from” and tendere meaning “to stretch.” The term digitorum is from the Latin digitus, which originally meant the “pointing thing,” a term that is similar to the Sanskrit word “dic” meaning to show or point out. Because we point with our fingers the term was applied to the fingers and then the toes.
Origin
Lateral epicondyle of humerus via the common extensor tendon
Insertion
Posterior surface of the phalanges via the extensor expansion
Action
Extension of the wrist and all digital joints
Nerve supply
Radial nerve (C7 and C8)
Blood supply
From proximal to distal, the belly of the muscle receives blood from the posterior interosseous artery and its recurrent interosseous branch and the perforating part of the anterior interosseous artery. The distal tendons of the muscle are supplied by branches from the dorsal carpal arch, dorsal metacarpal arteries, and dorsal digital arteries.
Latin
Musculus extensor digitorum
French
Muscle extenseur commun des doigts
