Flexor digitorum superficialis (Musculus flexor digitorum superficialis)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
The intermediate layer of the anterior compartment: four tendons that split around the profundus tendon to insert on the middle phalanges; the median nerve and ulnar artery pass beneath its upper edge into the forearm.
Origin & insertion
Humero-ulnar head from the medial epicondyle and coronoid border, radial head from the anterior oblique line of the radius.
Action
Flexes the middle phalanges and the wrist; tested independently by immobilising the neighbouring fingers.
Innervation
Median nerve (C7–T1).
Clinical notes
Lacerations cutting its tendon in palm wounds need precise two-tendon repair within the digital sheath.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Flexor digitorum superficialis?
The intermediate layer of the anterior compartment: four tendons that split around the profundus tendon to insert on the middle phalanges; the median nerve and ulnar artery pass beneath its upper edge into the forearm.
Why is the Flexor digitorum superficialis clinically important?
Lacerations cutting its tendon in palm wounds need precise two-tendon repair within the digital sheath.
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