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Forearm Anatomy

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Introduction

Forearm compartments. ECRB = extensor carpi radialis brevis, ECRL = extensor carpi radialis longus, BR = brachioradialis, FCU = flexor carpi ulnaris, PL = palmaris longus, FCR = flexor carpi radialis, FDS = flexor digitorum superficialis, ED = extensor digitorum, EDM = extensor digiti minimi, ECU = extensor carpi ulnaris, FDP = flexor digitorum profundus, FPL = flexor pollicis longus, PT = pronator teres, S = supinator, APL = abductor pollicis longus, EPB = extensor pollicis brevis, EPL = extensor pollicis longus, EI = extensor indices, R = radius, U = ulna.[1]
Normal radiographs of the forearm[2]
Muscles of the forearm. Palmar and dorsal views
Pronation and supination in the forearm[3]

Other Names

  • Forearm
  • Antebrachium

Functions

  • Facilitate movement at the elbow, wrist and hand
  • Contribute to elbow flexion and extension
  • Allow for pronation and supination
  • Contribute to wrist flexion and extension
  • Contribute to movement of the fingers as well
  • Transmits neurovascular structures from the elbow down to the hand and wrist
  • Redistribution of forces during functional tasks

Movement

Range of Motion

  • Supination: 80–90° is considered normal
  • Pronation: 75–85° is considered normal
  • Arc of motion: 100° (50° each of pronation and supination)[5]

Muscles

Posterior Compartment of the Forearm

Anterior Compartment of the Forearm

Bones

Schematic drawing of both the radius and the ulna (left and right) and the forearm bones together with the interosseus membrane. The black shaded areas represent the capsular insertions, the blue and red shaded areas show the abundant muscular origins and targeting areas[6]
Labeled PA radiograph of the forearm[7]

Joints

Ligaments

Nerves

Vascular Supply

  • Brachial Artery
    • Radial Artery
      • Radial Recurrent Artery
      • Dorsal Metacarpal Artery
        • Princeps Pollicis Artery
    • Ulnar artery
      • Anterior Ulnar Recurrent Artery
      • Posterior Ulnar Recurrent Artery
      • Common Interosseous Artery
        • Posterior Interosseous Artery
        • Anterior Interosseous Artery

Other Anatomic Structures

See Also

References

  1. ↑ Boles, Carol A., Srilatha Kannam, and Anne B. Cardwell. "The forearm: anatomy of muscle compartments and nerves." American Journal of Roentgenology 174.1 (2000): 151-159.
  2. ↑ Case courtesy of Jessica Hui Shi Ng, Radiopaedia.org, rID: 73169
  3. ↑ Lees, Vivien C. "The functional anatomy of forearm rotation." Journal of hand and microsurgery 1.02 (2009): 92-99.
  4. ↑ An, Kai Nan, Mark E. Zobitz, and Bernard F. Morrey. "Biomechanics of the elbow." The Elbow and its Disorders: Fourth Edition. Elsevier, 2008. 39-63.
  5. ↑ Morrey, B. F., L. J. Askew, and E. Y. Chao. "A biomechanical study of normal functional elbow motion." JBJS 63.6 (1981): 872-877.
  6. ↑ Mader, Konrad, et al. "Complex forearm deformities: operative strategy in posttraumatic pathology." Obere Extremitat 10.4 (2015): 229.
  7. ↑ Image courtesy of radiologypics.com
Created by:
John Kiel on 7 November 2019 17:45:16
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Last edited:
2 October 2025 00:16:17
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