Also called: ECRL
The extensor carpi radialis longus is a forearm muscle that extends and abducts the wrist. It arises from the lateral supracondylar ridge of the humerus and inserts on the base of the second metacarpal. The radial nerve supplies it.
| Origin | Lateral supracondylar ridge of the humerus. |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Dorsal surface of the base of the second metacarpal. |
| Innervation | Radial nerve (C6-C7). |
| Blood supply | Radial artery and radial recurrent artery. |
| Action | Extends and abducts (radially deviates) the wrist. |
3D model: BodyParts3D (CC BY 4.0), adult male reference anatomy. Highlighted structure shown with nearby bones for context.
It lies beside the brachioradialis on the radial side of the forearm and its tendon passes under the extensor retinaculum in the second dorsal compartment together with extensor carpi radialis brevis.
It extends the wrist and tilts it toward the thumb side.
The radial nerve.
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