Posterior compartment of the forearm Posterior compartment of the forearm The posterior compartment of the forearm (or extensor compartment) contains twelve muscles which are chiefly responsible for extension of the wrist and digits, and supination of the forearm. It is separated from the anterior compartment by the interosseous membrane between the radius and ulna. There are generally twelve muscles in the posterior compartment of the forearm, which can be further divided into a superficial, intermediate, and deep layer. Most of the muscles in the superficial and the intermediate layers share a common origin which is the outer part of the elbow, the lateral epicondyle of
Extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle Extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle In human anatomy, extensor carpi radialis brevis is a muscle in the forearm that acts to extend and abduct the wrist. It is shorter and thicker than its namesake extensor carpi radialis longus which can be found above the proximal end of the extensor carpi radialis brevis. It arises from the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, by the common extensor tendon; from the radial collateral ligament of the elbow-joint; from a strong aponeurosis which covers its surface; and from the intermuscular septa between it and the adjacent muscles. The fibres end approximately at the middle