What is the distal attachment of the flexor carpi radialis?

What is the distal attachment of the flexor carpi radialis?

• A. Medial epicondyle of the humerus
• B. Flexor retinaculum
• C. Palmar aponeurosis
• D. Base of the 2nd metacarpal

Answer: (D)

The distal attachment of the flexor carpi radialis is the base of the 2nd metacarpal. This muscle originates from the medial epicondyle of the humerus and travels down the forearm to the hand, where it attaches to the base of the 2nd metacarpal. This specific attachment allows the muscle to contribute to wrist flexion and abduction (radial deviation) of the hand. Understanding this attachment is crucial for grasping how the muscle functions in coordinating movements of the wrist and hand, particularly in activities that require fine motor skills or powerful grasps. The other options do not serve as the distal attachment points for the flexor carpi radialis, reflecting different anatomical relationships within the forearm and hand.

The distal attachment of the flexor carpi radialis is the base of the 2nd metacarpal. This muscle originates from the medial epicondyle of the humerus and travels down the forearm to the hand, where it attaches to the base of the 2nd metacarpal. This specific attachment allows the muscle to contribute to wrist flexion and abduction (radial deviation) of the hand. Understanding this attachment is crucial for grasping how the muscle functions in coordinating movements of the wrist and hand, particularly in activities that require fine motor skills or powerful grasps. The other options do not serve as the distal attachment points for the flexor carpi radialis, reflecting different anatomical relationships within the forearm and hand.