Forearm extensor muscle anatomy made easy with quizzes and diagram labeling exercises (2024)

Author: Molly Smith•Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios
Last reviewed: November 28, 2023
Reading time: 4 minutes

Forearm extensor muscle anatomy made easy with quizzes and diagram labeling exercises (1)

Recommended video: Deep extensors of the forearm[13:42]

Origins, insertions, innervation and functions of the deep extensors of the forearm.

With so many strange sounding muscles and functions to learn, the forearm muscles are arguably one of the trickiest regions of the upper extremity to learn. But don’t worry - it’s not impossible!

In the following guide, we’ll be teaching you how you can learn them faster and more effectively with the use of labeled diagrams and quizzes. Let’s jump in!

Contents

  1. Forearm muscle anatomy
  2. Continue learning with diagrams
    1. Forearm muscles (extensors) labeled and unlabeled
  3. Learn faster and more effectively with quizzes
  4. Sources

+ Show all

Forearm muscle anatomy

The forearm is a region of the upper extremity extending from the wrist to the elbow joint. It is split into two compartments: anterior and posterior.

In the posterior compartment, which is what we’ll be focusing on in this article, we find the extensor muscles. These muscles of the forearm are responsible for producing extension at the wrist and fingers. The extensor muscles can be further divided into two layers separated by a layer of fascia: deep, and superficial.

The deep extensor muscles of the forearm comprise five muscles: the supinator muscle, abductor pollicis longus, extensor pollicis brevis, extensor pollicis longus and extensor indicis muscle. While the supinator muscle supinates the forearm, all the other muscles move the joints of the hand and fingers.

The superficial extensors comprise three muscles: the extensor digitorum, extensor digiti minimi and extensor carpi ulnaris. These muscles are tasked with fulfill a dorsal extension in the wrist joint.

Now you have a basic overview of the extensor muscles, it’s time to expand your knowledge with a video.

Continue learning with diagrams

If you’re already a fan of our anatomy quiz guides, you’ll know that we recommend starting your revision with some labeling exercises. This helps you to consolidate your knowledge of the name and location of each muscle of the forearm, which will be important for your exam.

Forearm muscles (extensors) labeled and unlabeled

To begin, spend some time looking at the forearm muscles diagram above. Here you can see all the extensor forearm muscles clearly labeled. Once you’re ready, you can try labeling the muscles for yourself using the blank forearm muscles diagram free to download below.

DOWNLOAD PDF WORKSHEET (BLANK)DOWNLOAD PDF WORKSHEET (LABELED)

Learn faster and more effectively with quizzes

By now you should be feeling confident about where each muscle of the forearm is located - and indeed what each one is called. But to really solidify the knowledge (AKA: send it into your long term memory stores), you need to test yourself on the topic at regular intervals. That’s where our interactive muscles of the forearm quizzes come on.

Inspired by the evidence backed technique of spaced repetition, these quizzes are powered by an intelligent algorithm which learns your weak spots based on your wrong answers, and automatically gives you more questions on those topics accordingly. The result? You’ll be able to quickly and effectively seal any holes in your knowledge.

These muscles of the forearm quizzes can be used to learn a topic to revise what you already know, or to learn a topic completely from the get-go. Best of all, you can really consolidate your knowledge from every angle thanks to five different quiz types: basic and advanced identification, muscle attachments, innervations and functions, clinical question banks, intelligent mix (a combination of all of the above!) or create your very own custom quiz.

Ready to start testing? Take your first muscles of the forearm quiz. Good luck!

Below you can find more options for expanding and testing your knowledge on the forearm flexors and the overall anatomy of the elbow and forearm.

Anterior compartment of the forearm Explore study unit

Custom quiz: Elbow and forearm Start quiz


Enjoyed learning with forearm muscle quizzes and labeling activities? Check out our free quiz guides on several more exam topics.

Sources

Layout: Molly Smith

Forearm extensor muscle anatomy made easy with quizzes and diagram labeling exercises: want to learn more about it?

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Forearm extensor muscle anatomy made easy with quizzes and diagram labeling exercises (2024)

FAQs

How to train forearm extensor muscles? ›

Hold the wrist roller in both hands with the weight plate dangling just above the floor. The rope on the wrist roller should drape over the bar, pointing away from you. Use one hand at a time to rotate the bar toward you until the weight plate reaches the bar; then reverse the motion to lower the weight. Repeat.

What are the extensor muscles of the forearm? ›

The superficial part of the extensor compartment of the forearm contains seven muscles:
  • Brachioradialis.
  • Extensor carpi radialis brevis.
  • Extensor carpi radialis longus.
  • Extensor carpi ulnaris.
  • Extensor digitorum.
  • Extensor digiti minimi.
  • Anconeus.
Jun 5, 2023

What is the fastest way to memorize anatomy? ›

One of the most effective ways to learn anatomy is through active learning and visualization techniques. Instead of passively reading textbooks or lecture notes, actively engage with the material. Use visual aids such as anatomical models, diagrams, and interactive apps to enhance your understanding.

How did Arnold Schwarzenegger train forearms? ›

Both movements are the most basic of forearm training exercises—wrist curls and reverse wrist curls. For complete forearm training, I also like to include standing reverse barbell curls, where you hold a bar with a palms-down grip and perform a movement similar to a biceps curl.

What is forearm extensor pain? ›

Extensor tendinopathy starts as pain in the outside of the elbow and forearm. The pain usually develops gradually. Initially it may only be painful with activity and may disappear as you warm up and then return once you have stopped activity.

How do extensor muscles of the forearm move? ›

The muscles in the posterior compartment of the forearm are commonly known as the extensor muscles. The general function of these muscles is to produce extension at the wrist and fingers. They are all innervated by the radial nerve. The muscles in this compartment are organised into two layers; deep and superficial.

Do grippers increase forearm size? ›

There you have it! The answer to the age-old question, "Will hand grippers increase forearm size?" is a resounding YES! With the right hand gripper, a consistent workout routine, and the inclusion of complementary exercises, you'll be well on your way to building those mighty forearms you've always dreamed of.

What is the mnemonic for superficial flexors of the forearm? ›

Flexors of the forearm

Superficial layer: flexor carpi ulnaris, palmaris longus, flexor carpi radialis, and pronator teres. Intermediate layer: flexor digitorum superficialis, flexor digitorum profundus, and flexor pollicis longus. Deep layer: pronator quadratus.

How do you remember radial and ulnar? ›

To remember this: U R out (direction from ulna to radius outwards, in anatomical position) • Head of radius looks like a flattened, round hockey puck • Ulna looks like a crescent wrench. o The rounded bulk of the wrench is the olecranon process. o The lower curve of the wrench is called the coronoid process.

What is the mnemonic for the hand muscles anatomy? ›

Useful mnemonics to recall the intrinsic muscles of the hand and some of their features include: All For One And One For All. PAd DAb. FOAL/LOAF.

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