Extensor pollicis longus muscle
Last revised by Joachim Feger ◉ on 26 Aug 2021
Citation, DOI & article data
Citation:
Mirt G, Feger J, Bell D, et al. Extensor pollicis longus muscle. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 30 Jan 2023) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-40129
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rID:
40129
Article created:
08 Oct 2015 by Greg Mirt
Revisions:
21 times by 12 users - see full revision history
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Synonyms:
- Extensor pollicis longus muscles
- Extensor pollicis longus (EPL) muscle
Extensor pollicis longus (EPL) muscle is a muscle of the deep compartment in the posterior compartment of the forearm. It passes through the 3rd extensor compartment of the wrist, then continues laterally towards the thumb around Lister's tubercle. The tendon of EPL defines the ulnar border of the anatomical snuffbox. It is one of the extrinsic muscles of the hand.
Summary
- origin: posterior surface of the middle 1/3 of the ulna and interosseous membrane
- insertion: posterior surface of the base of the distal phalanx of thumb
- innervation: posterior interosseous nerve (C7 and C8), a continuation of the deep branch of the radial nerve (C7, C8)
- arterial supply: anterior and posterior interosseous arteries
- action: extends the thumb at the carpometacarpal and interphalangeal joints, and partially adducts 1st metacarpal
Related pathology
- distal intersection syndrome
- EPL tenosynovitis, common after activities such as drum playing
Quiz questions
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References
- 1. Last's anatomy, regional and applied. Churchill Livingstone. ISBN:044304662X. Read it at Google Books - Find it at Amazon
- 2. Standring, Susan, and Henry Gray. 2008. Gray's anatomy: the anatomical basis of clinical practice. [Edinburgh]: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier. http://www.clinicalkey.com/dura/browse/bookChapter/3-s2.0-B9780443066849X5001X
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skeleton of the upper limb
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accessory ossicles of the wrist (mnemonic)
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