Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The extensor digitorum is a muscle in the forearm that helps to extend the fingers and the wrist. It originates from the lateral epicondyle of the humerus and inserts into the extensor expansions of the middle phalanges of the four fingers.
Related terms
Lateral Epicondyle: The bony prominence on the outer side of the humerus where muscles, including the extensor digitorum, attach.
Flexor Digitorum: A muscle that opposes the action of the extensor digitorum by flexing or bending the fingers towards the palm.
Tough bands of fibrous connective tissue that connect muscles to bones; for example, tendons attach the extensor digitorum muscle to finger bones allowing movement