actions of forearm muscles

biceps brachii

flexes shoulder

flexes elbow

supinates forearm

brachialis

flexes elbow

triceps brachii

extends elbow

long head assists in adduction and extension of shoulder

anconeus

extends elbow

stabilize ulna during pronation and supination

pronator teres

pronates forearm

assists in flexion of elbow

palmaris longus

tenses palmar fascia

flexes wrist

may assist flexion of elbow

flexor carpi radialis

flexes wrist

abducts wrist

may assist pronation of forearm

may assist elbow flexion

flexor carpi ulnaris

flexes wrist

adducts wrist

may assist elbow flexion

flexor digitorum superficialis

flexes PIP joints of digits 2-5

assists flexion of MCP joints

assists flexion of wrist

flexor digitorum profundus

flexes DIP joints of digits 2-5

assists flexion of PIP joints

assists flexion of MCP joints

may assist flexion of wrist

pronator quadratus

pronates forearm

flexor pollicis longus

flexes IP joint of thumb

assists flexion of MCP and CMC joints of thumb

may assist wrist flexion

brachioradialis

flexes elbow

assists in pronation and supination of forearm when these movements are resisted

extensor carpi radialis longus

extends wrist

abducts wrist

assists flexion of elbow

extensor carpi radialis brevis

extends wrist

assists abduction of wrist

extensor digitorum

extends MCP joints of digits 2-5

in conjunction with lumbricals: extends IP joints of digits 2-5

assists in abduction of digits 2-5

assists extension of wrist

assists abduction of wrist

extensor digiti minimi

extends MCP joint of little finger

in conjunction with lumbricals and interosseous: extends IP joint of little finger

assists abduction of little finger

extensor carpi ulnaris

extends wrist

adducts wrist

supinator

supinates forearm

abductor pollicis longus

abducts CMC joint of thumb

extends CMC joint of thumb

radially deviates wrist

assists in wrist flexion

extensor pollicis brevis

extends MCP joint of thumb

assists with extension of CMC joint of thumb

assists with abduction of of CMC joint of thumb

assist with radial deviation of wrist

extensor pollicis longus

extends IP joint of thumb

assists extension of MCP and CMC joints of thumb

assists in wrist abduction

assists in wrist extension

extensor indicis

extends MCP joint of index finger

in conjunction with lumbricals and interossei: extends IP joint of index finger