Flexor Pollicis Longus

Description

Illustration of flexor pollicis longus (red)

Illustration of FPL

Origin

• Anterior surface of Radius
• Interosseous Membrane of the Forearmn

Insertion

• Palmar surface of distal phalanx of digit 1 (thumb)

Actions

• Flexion of digit 1 (thumb) at metacarpophalangeal joint, interphalangeal joint
• Supported by the Flexor Pollicis Longus Tendon Sheath

Vascular Supply

• Anterior Interosseous Artery (via Ulnar Artery)
• Radial Artery
• Median Artery (variable)

Nerve

• Anterior Interosseous Nerve (C7-C8, via Median Nerve)

---

Clinical Significance

Pathology

• FPL Tendonitis
• FPL Tendon Rupture
• Anterior Interosseous Nerve Syndrome
• Trigger Finger
• Infectious Flexor Tenosynovitis

Surgical Considerations

• Important landmark for:
  • Carpal tunnel
  • Flexor tendon repairs
  • Thumb reconstruction

---

See Also

• Physical Exam Hand
• Hand Pain (Main)
• Physical Exam Wrist
• Wrist Pain (Main)
• Physical Exam Forearm
• Forearm Pain (Main)
• Hand And Wrist Anatomy

---