a. Name two forearm muscles that are powerful extensors and abductors of the hand. b. Name the sole forearm muscle that can flex the distal interphalangeal joints.
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Step 1: To address part (a), recall that extensors of the hand are located in the posterior compartment of the forearm. Abductors of the hand are muscles that move the hand away from the midline. Identify two muscles that perform both extension and abduction of the hand.
Step 2: For part (a), focus on muscles that act on the wrist joint and are involved in extension and abduction. These muscles typically originate from the lateral epicondyle of the humerus and insert on the metacarpals.
Step 3: To address part (b), recall that flexion of the distal interphalangeal joints is performed by a muscle that acts on the fingers. This muscle must have tendons that insert on the distal phalanges.
Step 4: For part (b), identify the sole forearm muscle responsible for flexing the distal interphalangeal joints. Consider the deep flexor muscles of the forearm and their specific actions.
Step 5: Summarize the anatomical locations and functions of the muscles identified in parts (a) and (b) to ensure clarity and understanding of their roles in forearm movement.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Forearm Muscles
The forearm contains several muscles that are responsible for the movement of the wrist and fingers. These muscles can be categorized into flexors and extensors, with extensors primarily located on the posterior side of the forearm. Understanding the specific muscles involved in extension and abduction of the hand is crucial for identifying the powerful muscles that perform these actions.
Extensors are muscles that increase the angle between body parts, such as straightening the wrist or fingers. Abductors, on the other hand, are responsible for moving a limb away from the midline of the body. In the context of the forearm, certain muscles serve dual roles as both powerful extensors and abductors of the hand, facilitating a range of movements necessary for various activities.
The distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints are the joints located between the last two phalanges of the fingers. Flexing these joints allows for gripping and fine motor movements. The sole forearm muscle capable of flexing the DIP joints is significant in hand function, as it enables the bending of the fingertips, which is essential for tasks requiring precision.