Upper limb

Flexor Carpi Ulnaris (humeral head)

Musculus flexor carpi ulnaris (caput humerale)

Origin

Medial epicondyle of the humerus (common flexor origin)

Insertion

Pisiform bone (and via ligaments further to the hamate and fifth metacarpal bone)

Function

Flexes and adducts (ulnarly deviates) the wrist

Innervation

Ulnar nerve, C8–T1

Movement & chain

The primary ulnar deviator of the wrist; works together with extensor carpi ulnaris in this movement and with the other wrist flexors during pure flexion.

Palpation

Easily palpated as the most ulnar tendon on the volar wrist, ending at the pisiform bone, during resisted wrist flexion.

Clinical

The ulnar nerve passes between the two heads of this muscle into the forearm (site of possible compression/cubital-tunnel-related complaints just distal to the elbow).

Segmental innervation

Ulnar nerve, C8–T1.

In clinical practice

The pisiform bone, the insertion of this muscle, is a landmark for locating Guyon's canal for the ulnar nerve.

Region in the model

Upper limb