Extensor Pollicis Longus

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

Extensor Pollicis Longus at a glance

OriginBack surface of the ulna and the interosseous membrane
InsertionBase of the distal phalanx of the thumb
ActionsStraightens the thumb tip; Pulls the thumb back in line with the hand (reposition)
Nerve supplyPosterior interosseous nerve (C7–C8)

◆ Good to know

Its tendon hooks around the dorsal tubercle of the radius (Lister's tubercle) and forms the back border of the snuffbox; it can rupture after distal radius fractures.

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.