List of extensors of the human body explained

In anatomy, extension is a movement of a joint that increases the angle between two bones or body surfaces at a joint. Extension usually results in straightening of the bones or body surfaces involved. For example, extension is produced by extending the flexed (bent) elbow. Straightening of the arm would require extension at the elbow joint. If the head is tilted all the way back, the neck is said to be extended.

Extensor muscles

Upper limb

of arm at shoulder^[1]
- Axilla and shoulder
of forearm at elbow^[2]
- Posterior compartment of the arm
  - Triceps brachii
  - Anconeus
of hand at wrist^[3]
- Posterior compartment of the forearm
  - Extensor carpi radialis longus
  - Extensor carpi radialis brevis
  - Extensor carpi ulnaris
  - Extensor digitorum
of phalanges, at all joints
- Posterior compartment of the forearm
  - Extensor digitorum
  - Extensor digiti minimi (little finger only)
  - Extensor indicis (index finger only)
of phalanges, at interphalangeal joints^[4]
of thumb^[5]
- Extensor pollicis brevis (proximal phalange)
- Extensor pollicis longus (distal phalange)

Lower limb

Notes and References

http://www.exrx.net/Articulations/Shoulder.html#anchor764495 Shoulder Articulations
http://www.exrx.net/Articulations/Elbow.html#anchor764495 Elbow Articulations
http://www.exrx.net/Articulations/Wrist.html#anchor261877 Wrist Articulations
http://www.exrx.net/Articulations/Fingers.html#anchor783765 Finger Articulations
http://www.exrx.net/Articulations/Thumb.html#anchor206622 Thumb Articulations
http://www.exrx.net/Articulations/Hip.html#anchor845621 Hip Articulations
http://www.exrx.net/Articulations/Knee.html#anchor22459 Knee Articulations
http://www.exrx.net/Articulations/Toes.html#anchor231444 Foot Articulations

List of extensors of the human body explained

Extensor muscles

Upper limb

Lower limb

Hip

Knee

Toes

See also

Notes and References