Figure 12-1
Superficial flexors of the anterior forearm.

Begin this trip by identifying the medial epicondyle of the humerus. This landmark is the origin for most flexors of the wrist and hand. A short oblique muscle arising from the medial epicondyle, the pronator teres runs distally and laterally under the bicipital aponeurosis and attaches to the radius.

Medial and distal to the elbow, the next muscle belly encountered is the flexor carpi radialis inserting distally on the second and third metacarpal. Remember the thumb side is number one! Moving medially again, find the short belly but long tendon of the palmaris longus . This small muscle attaches distally on the tough palmar aponeurosis ; the aponeurosis is probably cut free from the hand. The most medial of the flexor muscles is the flexor carpi ulnaris. This muscle runs to the fifth metacarpal and the pisiform.