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Anatomy Notes Vol.2

Posted by Dr KAMAL DEEP on December 19, 2010

1.  Nerves of Upper Limbs



2. Musculocutaneous Nerve Supplies Lateral Side of Forearm Also.



Important See the Diagram:- All muscles of thumb are supplied (pollicis) are supplied by Median Nerve except which causes adduction(Ulnar Nerve)..Obviously Ulnar nerve is a medial nerve it supplies the Adductor Pollicis as adduction is towards medial.

Q:-Median nerve supplies all muscles of the thumb except :
(B)Flexor-pollicis brevis
(C)Opponens pollicis
(D)Adductor pollicis…….ans

Median nerve injury at “wrist”, is commonly tested by :-
Contraction of abductor pollicis brevis…….ans
(B)Contraction of flexor pollicis brevis
(C)Loss of sensation on palm
(D)Loss of sensation on ring finger

The median nerve is vulnerable to division from lacerations at the wrist. Division leads to paralysis of the lumbricals to the index and middle fingers and the thenar muscles (apart from adductor pollicis), as well as loss of sensation to the thumb, index, middle and radial half of the ring fingers. The radial half of the hand becomes flattened as a result of wasting of the thenar muscles and the adducted posture of the thumb.

Pen Test :- Detects the median Nerve injury.It tests the integrity of abductor pollicis brevis


First and Second Lumbricals are Also supplied by Median Nerve

Rest all intrinsic muscles including all interossie are supplied by ULNAR NERVE.

Flexor Pollicis Brevis Superficial head supplied by Median Nerve while deep head by Ulnar Nerve.

Flexor Pollicis “Longus” supplied by Median Nerve.


Radial Nerve supplies all the extensors and also the ABDUCTOR POLLICIS “LONGUS.”

Pollicis “Longus” muscles are supplied by respective chief muscles of forearm like abductor pollicis longus by radial nerve and flexor pollicis longus by median nerve.




3. Ring Finger tip supplied by Median nerve and Ulnar Nerve

4.Dorsum of middle finger is supplied by radial nerve and ulnar nerve and median nerve.

5.Deltoid Muscle Origin is Just outer to the Insertion of Trapezius muscle:-

Origin of Deltoid:-Inferior edge of the crest of the spine of the scapula, lateral margin of the acromion, anterior border of lateral one-third of clavicle

Insertion of Trapezius:-Superior edge of the crest of the spine of the scapula, acromion, posterior border of lateral one-third of clavicle

Function of Deltoid:-Major abductor of arm (abducts arm beyond initial 15° done by supraspinatus); clavicular fibers (Anterior Fibers) assist in flexing the arm; posterior fibers assist in extending the arm.

A.Loss of rounded contour of shoulder
B.Loss of sensation along lateral side of upper arm
C.Loss of overhead abduction
D.Atrophy of deltoid muscle

6. Sub acromial bursa:-

All of the following structures may be compressed during flexion and abduction of shoulder joint except :
(A)Suprascapular nerve
(B)Long head of biceps tendon
(C)Supraspinatus tendon


Coronal section through the left shoulder joint

Rotator cuff impingement syndrome

The Subacromial space is defined by the humeral head inferiorly, and the anterior edge and inferior surface of the anterior third of the acromion, coracoacromial ligament and acromioclavicular joint superiorly. It is occupied by the supraspinatus tendon, subacromial bursa, tendon of the long head of biceps brachii, and the capsule of the shoulder joint. Rotator cuff impingement syndrome is a painful disorder caused by severe or chronic impingement of the rotator cuff tendons under the coracoacromial arch (Michiner et al 2003). The cuff normally impinges against the coracoacromial arch when the humerus is abducted, flexed and internally rotated. This is known as the impingement position. The supraspinatus tendon is anatomically affected most by the impingement, which interestingly also coincides with an area of reduced vascularity in this tendon. Severe impingement can be caused by osteoarthritic thickening of the coracoacromial arch; inflammation of the cuff from disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis; and prolonged overuse in the impingement position, e.g. in cleaning windows, which, when associated with a tendinopathy from age-related degenerative changes within the tendon, can lead to subsequent partial or complete tears of the cuff. Clinically, this condition causes tenderness over the anterior portion of the acromion, and pain which typically occurs on abducting the shoulder between 60° and 120° (the painful arc).




The fibrous membrane of the joint capsule is thickened:

  • anterosuperiorly in three locations to form superior, middle, and inferior glenohumeral ligaments, which pass between the superomedial margin of the glenoid cavity to the lesser tubercle and inferiorly related anatomical neck of the humerus
  • superiorly between the base of the coracoid process and the greater tubercle of the humerus (the coracohumeral ligament);
  • between the greater and lesser tubercles of the humerus (transverse humeral ligament)-this holds the tendon of the long head of the biceps brachii muscle in the intertubercular sulcus

Rotator Interval (In Detail)

7. Rotator Interval  in detail :-The rotator cuff interval is a triangular space between the subscapularis and supraspinatus tendons and the base of the coracoid process, covered by the rotator interval capsule, whose main component is the coracohumeral ligament (CHL). The rotator cuff interval is a triangular space created by the intervention of the coracoid process between the subscapularis and supraspinatus muscles and tendons. The floor of the rotator cuff interval is the cartilage of the humeral head, and the roof of the rotator cuff interval is the rotator interval capsule, which links the subscapularis and supraspinatus tendons and is composed of two layers: the CHL on the bursal side and the fasciculus obliquus on the articular side.The rotator interval is an anatomic region in the anterosuperior aspect of the glenohumeral joint that represents a complex interaction of the fibers of the coracohumeral ligament, the superior glenohumeral ligament, the glenohumeral joint capsule, and the supraspinatus and subscapularis tendons. As basic science and clinical studies continue to elucidate the precise role of the rotator interval, understanding of and therapeutic interventions for rotator interval pathology also continue to evolve. Lesions of the rotator interval may result in glenohumeral joint contractures, shoulder instability, or in lesions to the long head of the biceps tendon. Long-term clinical trials may clarify the results of current surgical interventions and further enhance understanding of the rotator interval.

Rotator interval contents
• Coracohumeral ligament
• Superior glenohumeral ligament
• Long head biceps tendon



The rotator cuff interval is a triangular space between the subscapularis and supraspinatus tendons and the base of the coracoid process, covered by the rotator interval capsule, whose main component is the coracohumeral ligament (CHL). The rotator cuff interval contains the long head of the biceps tendon (LBT) and the superior glenohumeral ligament (SGHL) [16]. The relationships between the CHL, the SGHL, and the LBT are complex and may be difficult to analyze on MRI because of the variable appearance of the CHL.







8. Intermuscular Spaces:- Quadrangular space (from posterior) :-




Quadrangular space (from anterior):-


When viewed from anteriorly, its boundaries are formed by:

  • the inferior margin of the subscapularis muscle;
  • the surgical neck of the humerus;
  • the superior margin of the teres major muscle;
  • the lateral margin of the long head of the triceps brachii muscle

In the posterior scapular region, its boundaries are formed by:

  • the inferior margin of teres minor;
  • the surgical neck of the humerus;
  • the superior margin of teres major;
  • the lateral margin of the long head of triceps brachii.

9. Axillary nerve may be damaged by dislocation of shoulder or by the fracture neck of the humerus.Deltoid is paralyzed with loss of abduction at the shoulder.The rounded contour is lost leading to FLAT SHOULDER.There is sensory loss over lower half of the deltoid.

10.Anastomosis around the scapula:-




Deep branch of Transverse cervical artery makes anastomosis with suprascapular artery and circumflex scapular artery.This is an anastomosis between first part of subclavian artery and third part of axillary artery.

Q:- Subscapular artery is a branch of third part of axillary artery not sublclavian artery.Important Point

The thoraco-acromial artery is a short branch which arises from the second part of the axillary artery.

The suprascapular artery usually arises from the thyrocervical trunk of the subclavian artery, although it may arise from the third part of the subclavian artery

The lateral thoracic artery arises from the second part of the axillary artery

The superior thoracic artery is a small vessel which arises from the first part of the axillary artery near the lower border of subclavius.



The subscapular artery is the largest branch of the axillary artery. It usually arises from the third part of the axillary artery at the distal (inferior) border of subscapularis, which it follows to the inferior scapular angle, where it anastomoses with the lateral thoracic and intercostal arteries and the deep branch of the transverse cervical artery.

The other terminal branch of the subscapular artery, the thoracodorsal artery(DNB2010), follows the lateral margin of the scapula, posterior to the lateral thoracic artery, between latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior. Before entering the deep surface of latissimus dorsi, it supplies teres major and the intercostals and sends one or two branches to serratus anterior. It enters latissimus dorsi muscle with the thoracodorsal nerve: this constitutes the principle neurovascular pedicle to the muscle. It provides numerous musculocutaneous perforators which supply the skin over the superior part of latissimus dorsi. The intramuscular portion of the artery anastomoses with intercostal arteries and lumbar perforating arteries.

11. All the following are true about musculocutaneous nerve injury at shoulder except:  IMPORTANT Q
A.Loss of flexion at shoulder………ANS
B.Loss of flexion of forearm
C.Loss of supination of forearm
D.Loss of sensation on radial side of forearm

The main muscles producing flexion at shoulder are :- Pectoralis major clavicular head and Clavicular or anterior fibers of deltoid….IMP…Accesory muscle producing flexion at shoulder is Coracobrachialis supplied by Musculocutaneous nerve.

Flexion at forearm is lost as it supplies brachialis as well as Biceps brachii.

Supination is lost as Biceps brachii main action is supination when the forearm is flexed.(Supination is brought about by supinator and biceps brachii.Slow supination with elbow extended is done by supinator while rapid supination is done by biceps when arm is flexed against resistance.

Musculocutaneous nerve is injured at the lateral cord of brachial plexus, positive clinical findings would be
(A)Loss of flexion at shoulder
(B)Sensory loss on the radial side of the forearm….ANS
(C)Loss of extension of forearm
(D)Loss of extension of the wrist

The nerve involved in anterior dislocation of the shoulder is
A.Radial nerve
B.Axillary nerve
C.Ulnar nerve
D.Musculocutaneous nerve………ANS

Following anterior dislocation of the shoulder,a pt develops weakness of flexion at elbow and lack of sensation over the lateral aspect forearm; nerve injured is:
A.Radial nerve
B.Musculocutaneous nerve….ANS
C.Axillary nerve
D.Ulnar nerve


Injury to radial nerve in lower part of spiral groove:
A.Spares nerve supply to extensor carpi radialis longus
B.Results in paralysis of anconeus muscle
C.Leaves extensions at elbow joint intact
D.Weakens pronation movement

An interscalene brachial plexus block relies on dispersion of the larger volume of local anesthetic within the interscalene groove to accomplish blockade of the brachial plexus.Each trunk divides onto an anterior and a posterior division behind the clavicle, at the apex of the axilla. Within the axilla, the divisions combine to produce the three cords, which are named lateral, medial, and posterior, according to their relationships to the axillary artery. From there on, individual nerves are formed as these neuronal elements descend distally.The interscalene approach to brachial plexus blockade results in consistent anesthesia of the shoulder, arm, and elbow. The interscalene block is not recommended for hand surgery; more distal approaches to the brachial plexus should be used instead (e.g., infraclavicular, axillary). T2 area is not anesthetized.(intercostobrachial nerve area is proper answer.In the above choices Ulnar nerve is the closest to the root values.


Miller says “Although this approach can be used for forearm and hand surgery, blockade of the inferior trunk (C8 through T1) is often incomplete and requires supplementation at the ulnar nerve for adequate surgical anesthesia in that distribution.”

Anatomy:-Between the scalene muscles, these nerve roots unite to form three trunks, which emerge from the interscalene space to lie cephaloposterior to the subclavian artery as it courses along the upper surface of the first rib. Therefore, the “superior” (C5 and C6), “middle” (C7), and “inferior” (C8 and T1) trunks are arranged accordingly and are not in a strict horizontal formation, as often depicted. At the lateral edge of the first rib, each trunk forms anterior and posterior divisions that pass posterior to the midportion of the clavicle to enter the axilla. Within the axilla, these divisions form the lateral, posterior, and medial cords, named for their relationship with the second part of the axillary artery.

12. Ligament of Struther`s:-Struther, ligament of: fibrous band (occasionally ossified) running between medial epicondyle and shaft of the humerus.

Struthers’ ligament is a ligament that extends between the shaft of the humerus and the medial epicondyle of the humerus.It is not a constant ligament and can be acquired or congenital. Its clinical significance arises form the fact that the median nerve, passes in the space between the ligament and the humerus, and in this space the nerve may be compressed leading to supracondylar process syndrome.The ligament is usually ignored and not mentioned due to the fact that its not always found.

Coracobrachialis is more important morphologically than functionally.It represent the medial compartment of the arm.In some animals the muscle is tricipital.In man the upper two heads have fused,but the musculocutaneous nerve passes between the remnants of these two heads.The third head (and the lowest) head of the muscle has  disappeared in man.Occasional persistence of the lower head is associated with the presence of the so called “ligament of struthers” which is a fibrous band extending from the suprocondylar process to the medial epicondyle of the humerus.Supracondylar process seen in 1%.The third head of the coracobrachialis is inserted into this ligament.The lower part of the pronator teres muscle takes origin from the same ligament.The median nerve,or the brachial artery,or both pass subjacent to the ligament.The ligament of struther is in fact a part of the tendon of the dorso-epitrochlearis which is related to the latissimus dorsi


13.Musculocutaneous Nerve lies laterally to the Axillary Artery….IMPORTANT POINT.





Musculocutaneous, median, and ulnar nerves in the arm.

The ulnar nerve enters the arm with the median nerve and axillary artery (Fig. 7.67). It passes through proximal regions medial to the axillary artery. In the middle of the arm, the ulnar nerve penetrates the medial intermuscular septum and enters the posterior compartment where it lies anterior to the medial head of the triceps brachii muscle. It passes posterior to the medial epicondyle of the humerus and then into the anterior compartment of the forearm.

The radial nerve originates from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus and enters the arm by crossing the inferior margin of the teres major muscle alongwith profunda brachii vessels in the lower triangular space ,the medial border of the space formed by the triceps and lateral border by humerus with apex down and base formed by the Teres Major above.  . As it enters the arm, it lies posterior to the brachial artery. Accompanied by the profunda brachii artery, the radial nerve enters the posterior compartment of the arm by passing through the triangular interval.As the radial nerve passes diagonally, from medial to lateral, through the posterior compartment, it lies in the radial groove directly on bone. On the lateral side of the arm, it passes anteriorly through the lateral intermuscular septum and enters the anterior compartment where it lies between the brachialis muscle and a muscle of the posterior compartment of the forearm-the brachioradialis muscle, which attaches to the lateral supraepicondylar ridge of the humerus. The radial nerve enters the forearm anterior to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, just deep to the brachioradialis.The radial nerve at the elbow lies deep in a groove between brachialis and brachioradialis proximally and extensor carpi radialis distally. It divides into the superficial terminal branch and the posterior interosseous nerve just anterior to the lateral epicondyle

Radial nerve injury in the arm:-The radial nerve is tightly bound with the profunda brachii artery between the medial and lateral heads of the triceps brachii muscle in the radial groove. If the humerus is fractured the radial nerve may become stretched or transected in this region leading to permanent damage and loss of function. This injury is typical (Fig. 7.69) and the nerve should always be tested when a fracture of the midshaft of the humerus is suspected. The patient typically presents with wrist drop (due to denervation of the extensor muscles) and sensory changes over the dorsum of the hand.

In the arm and forearm the median nerve is usually not injured by trauma because of its relatively deep position. The commonest neurologic problem associated with the median nerve is compression beneath the flexor retinaculum at the wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome).


Muscle Origin Insertion Innervation Function
Brachioradialis Proximal part of lateral supraepicondylar ridge of humerus and adjacent inter-muscular septum Lateral surface of distal end of radius Radial nerve [C5,C6] before division into superficial and deep branches Accessory flexor of elbow joint when forearm is mid-pronated
Extensor carpi radialis longus Distal part of lateral supraepicondylar ridge of humerus and adjacent intermuscular septum Dorsal surface of base of metacarpal II Radial nerve [C6,C7] before division into superficial and deep branches Extends and abducts the wrist
Extensor carpi radialis brevis Lateral epicondyle of humerus and adjacent intermuscular septum Dorsal surface of base of metacarpals II and III Deep branch of radial nerve [C7,C8] before penetrating supinator muscle Extends and abducts the wrist
Extensor digitorum Lateral epicondyle of humerus and adjacent intermuscular septum and deep fascia Four tendons, which insert via ‘extensor hoods’ into the dorsal aspects of the bases of the middle and distal phalanges of the index, middle, ring, and little fingers Posterior interosseous nerve [C7,C8] Extends the index, middle, ring, and little fingers; can also extend the wrist
Extensor digiti minimi Lateral epicondyle of humerus and adjacent intermuscular septum together with extensor digitorum Dorsal hood of the little finger Posterior interosseous nerve [C7,C8] Extends the little finger
Extensor carpi ulnaris Lateral epicondyle of humerus and posterior border of ulna Tubercle on the base of the medial side of metacarpal V Posterior interosseous nerve [C7,C8] Extends and adducts the wrist
Anconeus Lateral epicondyle of humerus Olecranon and proximal posterior surface of ulna Radial nerve [C6 to C8] (via branch to medial head of triceps brachii) Abduction of the ulna in pronation; accessory extensor of the elbow joint

There is some variation in the level at which branches of the radial nerve arise from the main trunk in different subjects. Branches to extensor carpi radialis brevis and supinator may arise from the main trunk of the

radial nerve or from the proximal part of the posterior interosseous nerve, but almost invariably above the arcade of Frohse.

Arcade of Frohse, sometimes called the supinator arch is the most superior part of the superficial layer of the supinator muscle, and is a fibrous arch over the posterior interosseous nerve. The arcade of Frohse is the most frequent site of posterior interosseous nerve entrapment, and is believed to play a role in causing progressive paralysis of the posterior interosseous nerve, both with and without injury.


The deep branch of radial nerve may be damaged during an operation for exposure of the head of the radius.Since the extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis are spared wrist drop does not occur.

 A patient is brought to the emergency with history of trauma to his right upper limb. Extension of metacarpophalangeal is lost. There is no wrist drop and extension of IP joint is normal. The most likely nerve involved is :
(A)Ulnar nerve
(B)Median nerve
Radial nerve
(D)Posterior-interosseous nerve

Injury to radial nerve in lower part of spiral groove:
A.Spares nerve supply to extensor carpi radialis longus
B.Results in paralysis of anconeus muscle
C.Leaves extensions at elbow joint intact
D.Weakens pronation movement

One of the branches to the medial head of the triceps brachii muscle arises before the radial nerve’s entrance into the posterior compartment and passes vertically down the arm in association with the ulnar nerve

Damage to the radial nerve in the spinal groove spares which muscle
A.Lateral head of triceps
B.Long head of triceps
C.Medial head of triceps

Controversial Question

Injury to radial nerve in lower part of spiral groove:
A.Spares nerve supply to extensor carpi radialis longus— True
B.Results in paralysis of anconeus muscle—false Upper part of groove branch is given
C.Leaves extensions at elbow joint intact—-False  Weakens
D.Weakens pronation movement—-false Median nerve supplies pronators


RADIAL NERVE (see above diagram) :-The radial nerve descends behind the third part of the axillary artery and the upper part of the brachial artery, anterior to subscapularis and the tendons of latissimus dorsi and teres major. With the profunda brachii artery it inclines dorsally, passing through the triangular space below the lower border of teres major, between the long head of triceps and the humerus. Here it supplies the long head of triceps, and gives rise to the posterior cutaneous nerve of the arm (not forearm)which supplies the skin along the posterior surface of the upper arm. It then spirals obliquely across the back of the humerus, lying posterior to the uppermost fibres of the medial head of triceps which separate the nerve from the bone in the first part of the spiral groove. Here it gives off a muscular branch to the lateral head of triceps and a branch which passes through the medial head of triceps to anconeus. On reaching the lateral side of the humerus it pierces the lateral intermuscular septum to enter the anterior compartment; it then descends deep in a furrow between brachialis and proximally brachioradialis, then more distally extensor carpi radialis longus. Anterior to the lateral epicondyle it divides into superficial and deep terminal rami.

The branches of the radial nerve in the upper arm are: muscular, cutaneous, articular and superficial terminal and posterior interosseous.

Muscular branches :-Muscular branches supply triceps, anconeus, brachioradialis, extensor carpi radialis longus and brachialis in medial, posterior and lateral groups. Medial muscular branches arise from the radial nerve on the medial side of the arm. They supply the medial and long heads of triceps; the branch to the medial head is a long, slender filament which, lying close to the ulnar nerve as far as the distal third of the arm, is often termed the ulnar collateral nerve. A large posterior muscular branch arises from the nerve as it lies in the humeral groove. It divides to supply the medial and lateral heads of triceps and anconeus, that for the latter being a long nerve which descends in the medial head of triceps and partially supplies it; it is accompanied by the middle collateral branch of the profunda brachii artery and passes behind the elbow joint to end in anconeus. Lateral muscular branches arise in front of the lateral intermuscular septum; they supply the lateral part of brachialis, brachioradialis and extensor carpi radialis longus.



15. Pronator teres in addition to the main pronator of forearm also causes flexion at elbow joint.

16.”D”eep muscles of the front of forearm (Flexor digitorum  Profundus & Flexor pollicis longus)  acts on the “D”istal IP joint.

17. Flexor digitorum superficialis acts on the Proximal IP joint.

18.Flexor “carpi” radialis:- Flexes the wrist and abductor of the wrist.RADIALIS(RADIUS) acts laterally.Carpi—so acts on wrist.

Palmaris Longus:- Absent in 10% of subjects.

Flexor carpi ulnaris:-Flexes and adduct the wrist.Ulnaris—so adduct.Carpi –so flexes the wrist.

All muscles except the flexor carpi ulnaris in the forearm are supplied by the median nerve.

The pisiform bone is a seasmoid bone in the tendon of Flexor carpi ulnaris.

19.The Cubital Fossa:-The cubital fossa is an important area of transition between the arm and the forearm. It is located anterior to the elbow joint and is a triangular depression formed between two forearm muscles:

  • the brachioradialis muscle originating from the lateral supraepicondylar ridge of the humerus;
  • the pronator teres muscle originating from the medial epicondyle of the humerus image


20. Ape thumb Deformity:-   Injury of median nerve at wrist leads to wasting of thenar muscles and the thumb is adducted and laterally rotated.:- ABDUCTION IS LOST,OPPOSITION IS LOST,FLEXION IS LOST.Ape hand deformity is a deformity in humans who cannot move the thumb outside of the plane of the palm. It is caused by inability to oppose the thumb and the limited abduction of the thumb.


              Ape Hand Deformity



Flexion and extension should be confined to motion at the interphalangeal or metacarpophalangeal joints (Fig. 53.49A-C). Palmar abduction (Fig. 53.49D, E), in which the first metacarpal moves away from the second at right angles to the plane of the palm, and radial abduction (Fig. 53.49D, F), in which the first metacarpal moves away from the second with the thumb in the plane of the palm, occur at the carpometacarpal joint. The opposite of radial abduction is ulnar adduction, or transpalmar adduction, in which the thumb crosses the palm towards its ulnar border. In clinical practice the term adduction is generally used without qualification. Circumduction describes the angular motion of the first metacarpal, solely at the carpometacarpal joint, from a position of maximal radial abduction in the plane of the palm towards the ulnar border of the hand, maintaining the widest possible angle between the first and second metacarpals (Fig. 53.49G). Lateral inclinations of the first phalanx maximize the extent of excursion of the circumduction arc. Opposition is a composite position of the thumb achieved by circumduction of the first metacarpal, internal rotation of the thumb ray and maximal extension of the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints (Fig. 53.49H). Retroposition is the opposite to opposition (Fig. 53.49I). Flexion adduction is the position of maximal transpalmar adduction of the first metacarpal: the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints are flexed and the thumb is in contact with the palm (Fig. 53.49J).



Most branches to the muscles in the superficial and intermediate layers of the forearm originate medially from the nerve just distal to the elbow joint:

  • The largest branch of the median nerve in the forearm is the anterior interosseous nerve, which originates between the two heads of pronator teres, passes distally down the forearm with the anterior interosseous artery, innervates the muscles in the deep layer (flexor pollicis longus, the lateral half of flexor digitorum profundus, and pronator quadratus) and terminates as articular branches to joints of the distal forearm and wrist.
  • A small palmar branch originates from the median nerve in the distal forearm immediately proximal to the flexor retinaculum , passes superficially into the hand and innervates the skin over the base and central palm. This palmar branch is spared in carpal tunnel syndrome because it passes into the hand superficial to the flexor retinaculum of the wrist.
    Since the terminal phalanges of little and ring fingers are supplied by ulnar nerve(Ulnar nerve supplies the medial half of digital profundus muscle) These Fingers DIP are spared in Median nerve injury.

Also the PIP joint of thumb is spared as flexor pollicis brevis deep supplied by ulnar nerve.

There is one IP joint  in the thumb and MCP joint.Flexor pollicis brevis causes flexion at MCP jt. and Flexor pollicis longus causes flexion at IP joint of thumb.Both supplied by Median nerve.

So thumb is adducted(abduction is lost due to abductor pollicis brevis paralysisi) and laterally rotated 9as medial rotation by the opponens pollicis is lost.)

Flexor pollicis brevis :The flexor pollicis brevis muscle is distal to abductor pollicis brevis.It originates mainly from the tubercle of the trapezium and adjacent flexor retinaculum, but it may also have deeper attachments to other carpal bones and associated ligaments. It inserts into the lateral side of the base of the proximal phalanx of the thumb. The tendon often contains a sesamoid bone(DNB 2010).Flexor pollicis brevis flexes the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb.


22. Extensor Hoods:-


The tendons of the extensor digitorum and extensor pollicis longus muscles pass onto the dorsal aspect of the digits and expand over the proximal phalanges to form complex ‘extensor hoods‘ or ‘dorsal digital expansions‘ .

Because force from the small intrinsic muscles of the hand is applied to the extensor hood distal to the fulcrum of the metacarpophalangeal joints, the muscles flex these joints .Simultaneously, the force is transferred dorsally through the hood to extend the interphalangeal joints. This ability to flex the metacarpophalangeal joints, while at the same time extending the interphalangeal joints, is entirely due to the intrinsic muscles of the hand working through the extensor hoods. This type of precision movement is used in the ‘upstroke’ when writing a ‘t’.

In the index, middle, ring, and little fingers, the lumbrical, interossei, and abductor digiti minimi muscles attach to the extensor hoods. In the thumb, the adductor pollicis and abductor pollicis brevis muscles insert into and anchor the extensor hood.

Q:-The lumbricals muscles extend the MCP joints and extend the IP joints of the digit in which they insert.

23. Anatomical Snuff Box:-

Regarding the anatomical snuff box which of the following is true:
(A)Abductor Pollicis longus forms the posterior wall. (it forms the anterior wall)
(B)Abductor pollicis longus and Extensor pollicis brevis form the anterior wall. ….ans
(C)Basilus vein forms the roof.            (its cephalic not basilic)
(D)Floor is formed by Extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis.??

Basilic vein is on the ulnar side not on the radial side-Remember



  • the lateral border is formed by the tendons of the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis;
  • the medial border is formed by the tendon of the extensor pollicis longus;
  • the floor of the impression is formed by the scaphoid and trapezium, and distal ends of the tendons of the extensor carpi radialis longus and extensor carpi radialis brevis.




After passing around Lister’s tubercle, the tendon of extensor pollicis longus crosses the tendons of extensor carpi radialis brevis and longus obliquely .When the thumb is fully extended the tendon is separated from extensor pollicis brevis by a triangular depression or fossa, the so-called ‘anatomical snuff-box’. Bony structures can be felt in the floor of this fossa by deep palpation. In proximal to distal order they are the radial styloid, the smooth convex articular surface of the scaphoid, the trapezium, and the base of the first metacarpal. The latter are more easily felt during metacarpal movement, while the scaphoid is more easily felt during adduction and abduction of the hand

The tendon of extensor pollicis brevis can be felt at the radial border of the anatomical snuff-box, lying medial to the tendon of abductor pollicis longus, when the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb is extended against resistance

The tendon of extensor pollicis longus can be palpated at the ulnar border of the anatomical snuff-box when the thumb is extended at the interphalangeal joint against resistance.




24.The carpal tunnel contains all of the following important structures except:
A.Median Nerve.
B.Flexor pollicis longus.
Flexor carpi radialis.
D.Flexor digitorum superficialis.



The structures passing superficial to the flexor retinaculum are:- a)the tendon of the palmaris longus b)the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve c)the palmar cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve d)the ulnar vessels e) the ulnar nerve.

The ulnar artery, ulnar nerve, and tendon of palmaris longus pass into the hand anterior to the flexor retinaculum and therefore do not pass through the carpal tunnel .

The four tendons of the flexor digitorum profundus, the four tendons of the flexor digitorum superficialis, and the tendon of the flexor pollicis longus pass through the carpal tunnel, as does the median nerve,Others are radial bursa and ulnar bursa

All the tendons of the flexor digitorum profundus and flexor digitorum superficialis are surrounded by a single synovial sheath; a separate sheath surrounds the tendon of the flexor pollicis longus. The median nerve is anterior to the tendons in the carpal tunnel.

The tendon of flexor carpi radialis is surrounded by a synovial sheath and passes through a tubular compartment formed by the attachment of the lateral aspect of the flexor retinaculum to the margins of a groove on the medial side of the tubercle of trapezium.It lies between the retinaculum and its deep slip,in the grrove on the trapezium.

25. Ofcourse the lumbricals do not insert into the thumb as polllicis has its own separate  thenar muscles.

So 1st lumbricals insert into 2nd MCP joint and so-on so that the 4th lumbrical inserted into the 5th MCP joint..

So 1st lumbicals acts on the index finger but not the thumb or 1st MCP joint,,,imp.They arise from the tendon of the Flexor digitorum profundus (as FLEX DIGITORUM PROFUNDUS is obviously inserted into the 2nd to 5th digits)and inserted into the DDE(dorsal digital expansion of Extensor digitorum.

26.Palmar interossei are abductors while Dorsal interossei are adductors of the fingers

27. All Interossei and lumbricals Flex the MCP and Extend the IP joint.

28.Midpalmar Space:-Laterally by the intermediate palmar septum attaching the palmar aponeurosis to the third metacarpal bone.

Medially by the the medial palmar septum.



The radial artery curves around the lateral side of the wrist, passes over the floor of the anatomical snuffbox and into the deep plane of the palm by penetrating anteriorly through the back of the hand . It passes between the two heads of the first dorsal interosseous muscle and then between the two heads of the adductor pollicis to access the deep plane of the palm and form the deep palmar arch.

Allen’s test:-To test for adequate anastomoses between the radial and ulnar arteries, compress both the radial and ulnar arteries at the wrist, then release pressure from one or the other, and determine the filling pattern of the hand. If there is little connection between the deep and superficial palmar arteries only the thumb and lateral side of the index finger will fill with blood (become red) when pressure on the radial artery alone is released

The deep palmar arch passes medially through the palm between the metacarpal bones and the long flexor tendons of the digits. On the medial side of the palm, it communicates with the deep palmar branch of the ulnar artery .


Anconeus is a small, triangular muscle posterior to the elbow joint and is partially blended with triceps (Figs 52.15, 52.17). Anconeus arises by a separate tendon from the posterior surface of the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. Its fibres diverge medially towards the ulna, covering the posterior aspect of the annular ligament, and are attached to the lateral aspect of the olecranon and proximal quarter of the posterior surface of the shaft of the ulna.


The extent to which anconeus fuses with triceps or extensor carpi ulnaris is variable


Anconeus assists triceps in extending the elbow joint. Its major function is not clear, but it may be the control of ulnar abduction in pronation, which is necessary if the forearm is to turn over the hand without translating it medially. In this way a tool can be revolved ‘on the spot’ or it can be swept through an arc.Anconeus abducts the ulna during pronation to maintain the center of the palm over the same point when the hand is flipped.


Which is true about synovial joint ? :
(A)Stability is inversely proportional to mobility.FALSE*(The mechanical function of the synovial joints is to permit motion whilst carrying functional loads and remaining stable)
(B)Hyaline cartilage covers articular surface of all synovial joints.TRUE—MOSTLY
(C) Metacarpo-phalangeal joint is a hinge joint. FALSE IT IS CONDYLOID
(D)”Cartilage usually divides the joint into two cavities”FALSE-ARTICULAR DISC DIVIDES.


A and B are purely diagrammatic and not related to particular joints. C, however, is a simplified representation of some features of an elbow joint but the complicated contours due to the olecranon, coronoid and radial fossae and profiles of articular fat pads present in a true section have been omitted.

Articular surfaces are mostly formed by a special variety of hyaline cartilage, reflecting their preformation as parts of cartilaginous models in embryonic life. Exceptionally, surfaces of the sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular joints and both temporomandibular surfaces are covered by dense fibrous tissue which contains isolated groups of chondrocytes and little surrounding matrix – a legacy of their formation by intramembranous ossification. Articular cartilage has a wear-resistant, low-frictional, lubricated surface, which is slightly compressible and elastic and is thus ideally constructed for easy movement over a similar surface. It is also able to absorb large forces of compression and shear generated by gravity and muscular power.

A fibrous capsule completely encloses a joint except where it is interrupted by synovial protrusions; the exceptions are described with the individual joints. The capsule is composed of parallel but interlacing bundles of white collagen fibres which form a cuff whose ends are attached continuously round the articular ends of the bones concerned.

An articular disc or meniscus occurs between articular surfaces where congruity is low. It consists of fibrocartilage, where the fibrous element is usually predominant, and is not covered by synovial membrane. A disc may extend across a synovial joint, dividing it structurally and functionally into two synovial cavities. Discs are connected at their periphery to fibrous capsules, usually by vascularized connective tissue, so that they become invaded by vessels and afferent and motor (sympathetic) nerves; sometimes the union is closer and stronger, as in the knee and temporomandibular joints. Their main part contains few cells, but their surfaces may be covered by an incomplete stratum of flat cells, continuous at the periphery with adjacent synovial membrane

Synovial Joints Joint capsule containing synovial membrane and
synovial fluid
1. Gliding Flattened or slightly curved articulating surfaces Sliding Intercarpal and intertarsal joints
2. Hinge Concave surface of one bone articulates with Bending motion in one plane Knee; elbow; joints of phalanges
convex surface of another
3. Pivot Conical surface of one bone articulates with Rotation about a central axis Atlantoaxial joint; proximal
depression of another radioulnar joint
4. Condyloid Oval condyle of one bone articulates with Movement in two planes Radiocarpal joint;
elliptical cavity of another metacarpophalangeal joint
5. Saddle Concave and convex surface on each Wide range of movements Carpometacarpal joint of thumb
articulating bone
6. Ball-and-socket Rounded convex surface of one bone articulates Movement in all planes and Shoulder and hip joints
with cuplike socket of another rotation


           Saddle joint-CARPOMETACARPAL                                                   BALL & SOCKET                                                                    HINGE                                                  CONDYLOID(ELLIPSOID)-MCP


                            PIVOT  atlas with the axis                                                                        GLIDING-intercarpal

Ellipsoid joints:- Ellipsoid joints are biaxial, and consist of an oval, convex surface apposed to an elliptical concavity, e.g. radiocarpal and metacarpophalangeal joints. Primary movements are about two orthogonal axes, e.g. flexion-extension, abduction-adduction, which may be combined as circumduction; rotation around the third axis is largely prevented by general articular shape.

Plane joints(GLIDING) :- Plane joints are appositions of almost flat surfaces (e.g. intermetatarsal and some intercarpal joints). Slight curvature is usual, although often disregarded, and movements are considered to be pure translations or sliding between bones. However, in precise dynamics even slight curvatures cannot be ignored

Ginglymi (hinge) joints:- Ginglymi resemble hinges and restrict movement to one plane, i.e. they are uniaxial. They have strong collateral ligaments to aid this, e.g. interphalangeal and humero-ulnar joints. The surfaces of such biological hinges differ from regular mechanical cylinders in that their profiles are not arcs but varyingly spiral, and therefore motion is not truly about a single axis.

11 Responses to “Anatomy Notes Vol.2”

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