What Is the Extensor Carpi Ulnaris?
The extensor carpi ulnaris is a muscle located in the posterior compartment of the forearm, or on the same side as the back of the hand. Of the many muscles found here, which are all innervated by the radial nerve, it is one of the most superficial, or closest to the skin. Located alongside the extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis, this muscle is primarily responsible for extension of the wrist, or decreasing the angle between the back of the hand and the forearm as in bending the wrist backward. It is also involved in angling the hand backward and inward toward the pinky side.
