In human anatomy, extensor carpi radialis brevis is a muscle in the forearm that acts to extend and abduct the wrist. It is shorter and thicker than its namesake
extensor carpi radialis longus which can be found above the proximal end of the extensor carpi radialis brevis.
The fibres end approximately at the middle of the forearm in the form of a flat tendon, which is closely connected with that of the extensor carpi radialis longus, and accompanies it to the wrist; it passes beneath the
abductor pollicis longus and
extensor pollicis brevis, beneath the
extensor retinaculum, and inserts into the lateral dorsal surface of the base of the
third metacarpal bone, with a few fibres inserting into the medial dorsal surface of the
second metacarpal bone.[2]
Relations
Under the extensor retinaculum the tendon lies on the back of the radius in a shallow groove, to the ulnar side of that which lodges the tendon of the extensor carpi radialis longus, and separated from it by a faint ridge.[2]
Innervation
Like all the muscles in the posterior
forearm, ECR brevis is supplied by a branch of the
radial nerve.
Function
It is an extensor, and an abductor of the hand at the
wristjoint. That is, it serves to manipulate the wrist so that the fingers moves away from the palm.
The muscle, like all extensors of the forearm, can be
strengthened by exercise that resist its extension;
Reverse wrist curls with
dumbbells can be performed.
Additional images
Bones of left forearm. Posterior aspect.
Bones of the left hand. Dorsal surface.
Cross-section through the middle of the forearm.
Posterior surface of the forearm. Deep muscles.
Transverse section across distal ends of radius and ulna.
Transverse section across the wrist and digits.
The mucous sheaths of the tendons on the back of the wrist.