What are the actions of the extensor carpi radialis longus?

The extensor carpi radialis longus, a muscle located in the forearm, primarily functions to extend and abduct the wrist. When the muscle contracts, it results in the extension of the wrist joint, moving the hand away from the forearm. In addition to this extension, it also contributes to the abduction of the wrist, which means it assists in moving the hand laterally towards the thumb side.

This dual action of extension and abduction is crucial in many functional tasks, such as reaching out or gripping an object. Understanding these movements is essential for those involved in orthotics and prosthetics, as it informs the design and adjustment of wrist supports or braces that engage the wrist's natural movements effectively.

The incorrect options either reference movements that are not performed by this muscle, such as flexion, or suggest combinations that do not accurately capture the anatomical function of the extensor carpi radialis longus. Thus, the correct choice reflects the muscle's primary roles in wrist extension and abduction.