Anterior forearm curriculum

Appreciation of a common origin from the medial humeral epicondyle

Actions & innervation of:

  • Flexor digitorum profundus
  • Flexor pollicis longus
  • Pronator quadratus

Detail in relation to attachments and relations is NOT required but the surface topography in relation to injuries at any given point should be appreciated in order to predict possible muscular damage and functional disability

Appreciation of the division of the brachial artery halfway through this region

  • Radial artery: surface marking
  • Ulnar artery: surface marking and as source of common interosseous artery
  • Wrist anastomosis
  • Derivation and location of the anterior and posterior carpal arches and their territory of supply

Vessels of the compartment

Appreciation of the fact that venae comitantes accompany the main arteries

The cephalic, basilic and median forearm veins as the main superficial veins and broad knowledge of their location

Nerves of the flexor compartment

Lateral and medial cutaneous nerves of forearm: supply territories

Median nerve: Branches given off in this compartment and structures supplied. Its surface marking and the clinical implications of its division

Ulnar nerve: Structures supplied in this compartment.

Surface marking

Appreciation that the proximal (see Elbow above) and distal radioulnar joints allow rotational movement of these two bones

Movement: muscles exerting and allowing flexion, extension and rotation (see also individual muscle names)