Flexor Carpi Radialis
Forearm · Upper Limb
The flexor carpi radialis is a superficial flexor of the anterior forearm whose tendon is a reliable landmark at the wrist, lying just lateral to palmaris longus. It arises from the medial epicondyle of the humerus through the common flexor origin and inserts on the bases of the second and third metacarpals. It flexes the wrist and, acting with the radial extensors, abducts it (radial deviation). Its nerve supply is the median nerve (C6, C7).
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Medial epicondyle of humerus (common flexor origin)
Insertion
Bases of 2nd and 3rd metacarpals
Action
Flexion and abduction (radial deviation) of wrist
Nerve
Median nerve (C6, C7)
Attachments explained
The Flexor Carpi Radialis is defined first by where it attaches. Its origin is the more fixed anchor, usually the proximal or more stable end that stays put during contraction, while its insertion is the more mobile point that is pulled toward the origin when the muscle shortens.
Origin
Medial epicondyle of humerus (common flexor origin)
Insertion
Bases of 2nd and 3rd metacarpals
Action & function
When the Flexor Carpi Radialis contracts, it produces the following movement: Flexion and abduction (radial deviation) of wrist.
As part of the Forearm group of the Upper Limb, it works alongside neighbouring muscles to generate smooth, coordinated movement and to stabilise the structures it acts on.
Nerve supply & clinical relevance
The Flexor Carpi Radialis receives its nerve supply from the Median nerve (C6, C7). This nerve carries fibres from spinal segment(s) C6, C7.
Because a muscle can only contract when its nerve is intact, injury to the Median nerve or to its spinal roots (C6, C7) can weaken or paralyse the Flexor Carpi Radialis, impairing the movements it normally produces (flexion and abduction (radial deviation) of wrist). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Flexor Carpi Radialis (the OIANS method)
Read this muscle's name as a formula: flexor (it bends), carpi (the wrist), radialis (toward the radial side). That decodes both actions at once, wrist flexion and radial deviation, and its origin on the common flexor tendon at the medial epicondyle places it with the other superficial flexors.
Use its tendon as a living landmark: at the wrist it lies just lateral to palmaris longus and marks where the radial pulse is taken. Remembering that all the superficial flexors except flexor carpi ulnaris are median-nerve muscles keeps its innervation straight.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Flexor Carpi Radialis located?
The Flexor Carpi Radialis is a muscle of the Forearm group, located in the Upper Limb.
What is the origin of the Flexor Carpi Radialis?
Medial epicondyle of humerus (common flexor origin)
What is the insertion of the Flexor Carpi Radialis?
Bases of 2nd and 3rd metacarpals
What movements does the Flexor Carpi Radialis produce?
Flexion and abduction (radial deviation) of wrist
What nerve supplies the Flexor Carpi Radialis?
Median nerve (C6, C7)
Is the Flexor Carpi Radialis free to study in OIANS?
Yes. The Flexor Carpi Radialis is free in OIANS: its full origin, insertion, action and nerve details are open to everyone in the Muscle Directory, and because it belongs to the Upper Limb it is also covered by the free Quiz and Flashcard decks. The other regions, the "All Muscles" deck, and the Progress and Explore tools are unlocked with a one-time Lifetime purchase.
Related muscles
Study the Flexor Carpi Radialis
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