The Superficial Posterior Compartment of the Forearm

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 48 views

The human forearm is a complex structure composed of multiple muscles, bones, and tendons that work together to facilitate movement and stability. The forearm can be divided into three compartments: the anterior (front), posterior (back), and superficial and deep posterior compartments. In this article, we will focus on the superficial posterior compartment of the forearm and identify the muscle that is part of this compartment.

The Superficial Posterior Compartment of the Forearm

The superficial posterior compartment of the forearm is located on the back of the forearm and contains muscles that are responsible for wrist and finger extension. This compartment is situated between the anterior and deep posterior compartments and is bounded by the flexor retinaculum and the interosseous membrane.

Muscles of the Superficial Posterior Compartment

The superficial posterior compartment of the forearm contains four muscles:

Extensor carpi radialis brevis: This muscle is responsible for wrist extension and radial deviation.
Extensor carpi radialis longus: This muscle is responsible for wrist extension and radial deviation.
Extensor digitorum: This muscle is responsible for finger extension.
Extensor digiti minimi: This muscle is responsible for little finger extension.

Identifying the Correct Muscle

Based on the information provided, the correct answer is A. Extensor radialis longus. This muscle is part of the superficial posterior compartment of the forearm and is responsible for wrist extension and radial deviation.

Key Takeaways

The superficial posterior compartment of the forearm contains muscles responsible for wrist and finger extension.
The compartment is bounded by the flexor retinaculum and the interosseous membrane.
The muscles of the superficial posterior compartment include the extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor carpi radialis longus, extensor digitorum, and extensor digiti minimi.
The correct answer is A. Extensor radialis longus.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the superficial posterior compartment of the forearm is a complex structure that contains muscles responsible for wrist and finger extension. The compartment is bounded by the flexor retinaculum and the interosseous membrane, and contains four muscles: the extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor carpi radialis longus, extensor digitorum, and extensor digiti minimi. The correct answer is A. Extensor radialis longus.

References

Gray's Anatomy. (41st ed.). (2016). Churchill Livingstone.
Netter's Atlas of Human Anatomy. (7th ed.). (2017). Elsevier.
Snell's Clinical Anatomy. (8th ed.). (2017). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the superficial posterior compartment of the forearm? The superficial posterior compartment of the forearm is a complex structure that contains muscles responsible for wrist and finger extension.
What muscles are part of the superficial posterior compartment? The muscles of the superficial posterior compartment include the extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor carpi radialis longus, extensor digitorum, and extensor digiti minimi.
What is the correct answer? The correct answer is A. Extensor radialis longus.
Frequently Asked Questions: Superficial Posterior Compartment of the Forearm ====================================================================

In our previous article, we discussed the superficial posterior compartment of the forearm and identified the muscle that is part of this compartment. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions related to the superficial posterior compartment of the forearm.

Q: What is the superficial posterior compartment of the forearm?

A: The superficial posterior compartment of the forearm is a complex structure that contains muscles responsible for wrist and finger extension. It is located on the back of the forearm and is bounded by the flexor retinaculum and the interosseous membrane.

Q: What muscles are part of the superficial posterior compartment?

A: The muscles of the superficial posterior compartment include the extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor carpi radialis longus, extensor digitorum, and extensor digiti minimi.

Q: What is the function of the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle?

A: The extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle is responsible for wrist extension and radial deviation.

Q: What is the function of the extensor carpi radialis longus muscle?

A: The extensor carpi radialis longus muscle is responsible for wrist extension and radial deviation.

Q: What is the function of the extensor digitorum muscle?

A: The extensor digitorum muscle is responsible for finger extension.

Q: What is the function of the extensor digiti minimi muscle?

A: The extensor digiti minimi muscle is responsible for little finger extension.

Q: What is the difference between the superficial and deep posterior compartments of the forearm?

A: The superficial posterior compartment of the forearm is located on the back of the forearm and contains muscles responsible for wrist and finger extension. The deep posterior compartment of the forearm is located deeper in the forearm and contains muscles responsible for wrist and finger flexion.

Q: What is the interosseous membrane?

A: The interosseous membrane is a fibrous membrane that separates the two bones of the forearm (the radius and ulna) and provides a pathway for the passage of blood vessels and nerves.

Q: What is the flexor retinaculum?

A: The flexor retinaculum is a fibrous membrane that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel and provides a pathway for the passage of the median nerve and the tendons of the flexor muscles.

Q: What are the clinical implications of the superficial posterior compartment of the forearm?

A: The superficial posterior compartment of the forearm is an important structure that is involved in various clinical conditions, including wrist and finger injuries, tendonitis, and nerve compression.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the superficial posterior compartment of the forearm is a complex structure that contains muscles responsible for wrist and finger extension. The compartment is bounded by the flexor retinaculum and the interosseous membrane, and contains four muscles: the extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor carpi radialis longus, extensor digitorum, and extensor digiti minimi. We hope that this article has provided you with a better understanding of the superficial posterior compartment of the forearm and its clinical implications.

References

Gray's Anatomy. (41st ed.). (2016). Churchill Livingstone.
Netter's Atlas of Human Anatomy. (7th ed.). (2017). Elsevier.
Snell's Clinical Anatomy. (8th ed.). (2017). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the superficial posterior compartment of the forearm? The superficial posterior compartment of the forearm is a complex structure that contains muscles responsible for wrist and finger extension.
What muscles are part of the superficial posterior compartment? The muscles of the superficial posterior compartment include the extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor carpi radialis longus, extensor digitorum, and extensor digiti minimi.
What is the function of the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle? The extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle is responsible for wrist extension and radial deviation.
What is the function of the extensor carpi radialis longus muscle? The extensor carpi radialis longus muscle is responsible for wrist extension and radial deviation.
What is the function of the extensor digitorum muscle? The extensor digitorum muscle is responsible for finger extension.
What is the function of the extensor digiti minimi muscle? The extensor digiti minimi muscle is responsible for little finger extension.