Extensor Pollicis Brevis

Region: Forearm & Hand Muscles · All forearm & hand muscles

Extensor Pollicis Brevis at a glance

OriginBack surface of the radius and the interosseous membrane
InsertionBase of the proximal phalanx of the thumb
ActionsStraightens the thumb at the knuckle (MCP joint); Helps move the thumb away from the palm
Nerve supplyPosterior interosseous nerve (C7–C8)

◆ Good to know

With abductor pollicis longus it shares the first tendon compartment at the wrist — the pair inflamed in De Quervain's tenosynovitis.

Please note: This page is an anatomy education summary for students and curious readers, not medical advice. Attachment points are given in their classic short form; individual anatomy varies, and detailed dissection-level descriptions belong in an anatomy atlas.