Extensor digiti minimi muscle

Extensor digiti minimi
The synovial sheaths of the tendons on the back of the wrist. (Extensor digiti quinti proprius labeled at center left.)
Details
OriginThe anterior portion of the lateral epicondyle of the humerus (common extensor tendon)
InsertionAt the extensor expansion, located at the base of the middle and distal phalanx of digit V on the dorsal side
ArteryPosterior interosseous artery
NervePosterior interosseous nerve (C7, 8)
ActionsExtends the wrist and the little finger at all joints
AntagonistFlexor digiti minimi brevis
Identifiers
Latinmusculus extensor digiti minimi
TA98A04.6.02.044
TA22506
FMA38503
Anatomical terms of muscle

The extensor digiti minimi (extensor digiti quinti proprius) is a slender muscle of the forearm, placed on the ulnar side of the extensor digitorum communis, with which it is generally connected.

It arises from the common extensor tendon by a thin tendinous slip and frequently from the intermuscular septa between it and the adjacent muscles.

Its tendon passes through a compartment of the extensor retinaculum, posterior to distal radio-ulnar joint, then divides into two as it crosses the dorsum of the hand, and finally joins the extensor digitorum tendon. All three tendons attach to the dorsal digital expansion of the fifth digit (little finger). There may be a slip of tendon to the fourth digit.