Extensor digiti minimi (Musculus extensor digiti minimi)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
A slender muscle between extensor digitorum and extensor carpi ulnaris; its tendon runs in the fifth dorsal compartment to join the little-finger expansion, giving the digit independent extension.
Origin & insertion
Lateral epicondyle via the common extensor tendon, beside extensor digitorum.
Action
Extends the little-finger phalanges and assists its abduction.
Innervation
Radial nerve — posterior interosseous branch (C7–C8).
Clinical notes
Subluxation of its tendon from the fifth compartment after distal ulnar fractures is rare; its prominence over the dorsal wrist tests the posterior interosseous branch integrity.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Extensor digiti minimi?
A slender muscle between extensor digitorum and extensor carpi ulnaris; its tendon runs in the fifth dorsal compartment to join the little-finger expansion, giving the digit independent extension.
Why is the Extensor digiti minimi clinically important?
Subluxation of its tendon from the fifth compartment after distal ulnar fractures is rare; its prominence over the dorsal wrist tests the posterior interosseous branch integrity.
Source & license
BodyParts3D, © The Database Center for Life Science licensed under CC Attribution 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). license details