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The Extensor Carpi Ulnaris is in the Superficial Layer of the Posterior Compartment of the forearm. It is also a member of the Wrist Extensor Group; the muscles of the wrist extensor group are:
The Extensor Carpi Ulnaris has two heads: Humeral head and Ulnar head.
- Lateral epicondyle of the humerus via the common extensor belly/tendon to the radial side of the posterior hand.
- The ulnar head attaches proximally onto the middle 1/3 of the posterior ulna.
- The distal attachment is onto the posterior side of the base of the fifth metacarpal.
- Extends the hand at the wrist joint.
- Ulnar deviates the hand at the wrist joint.
- Extends the forearm at the elbow joint.
- Pronates the forearm at the radioulnar joints.
- The extensor carpi ulnaris is often involved with lateral elbow tendinopathy (aka tennis elbow).
- The humeral head of the extensor carpi ulnaris is much larger than the ulnar head.