What are the actions of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle?

The flexor carpi ulnaris muscle plays a key role in wrist movement, specifically contributing to wrist flexion and adduction. Wrist flexion refers to the action of decreasing the angle between the hand and the forearm, bringing the palm closer to the inner forearm. Adduction of the wrist involves moving the hand closer to the midline of the body, aligning it with the ulnar side (the side of the little finger) of the forearm.

Understanding the anatomical location and function of the flexor carpi ulnaris is crucial. This muscle originates from the medial epicondyle of the humerus and the olecranon of the ulna, allowing it to effectively perform its actions. Its primary function as a flexor of the wrist also highlights its role in stabilizing the wrist during gripping or lifting activities, particularly when the hand is positioned in a ulnar-deviated posture.

In contrast, the other options describe movements that are not associated with the flexor carpi ulnaris. For example, wrist extension relates to increasing the angle between the hand and forearm, actions typically performed by the extensor muscles. Similarly, medial and lateral rotation refer to movements in the longitudinal axis that are not characteristic