Flexor digitorum profundus

Definition

The flexor digitorum profundus is a muscle in the forearm that plays a crucial role in flexing the fingers, particularly enabling the bending of the distal phalanges, which are the fingertips. It originates from the upper part of the ulna and inserts into the bases of the distal phalanges of the four fingers.

Related terms

Phalanges: These are small bones forming the skeleton of the fingers and toes, crucial for their structure and mobility.

Flexion: This is a movement that decreases the angle between two body parts; for example, curling your fingers involves flexion at several joints.

Ulna: A long bone found in the forearm that runs parallel to the radius, serving as an essential origin point for muscles like the flexor digitorum profundus