Flexor Digitorum Superficialis: Origin, Insertion, Nerve Supply & Action

Flexor Digitorum Superficialis: The flexor digitorum superficialis muscle is the only muscle of the intermediate compartment. It can sometimes be classed as a superficial layer muscle, but in most cadavers, it lies between the deep and superficial layers of the muscle.

The muscle is a good anatomical landmark in the forearm – the median nerve and ulnar artery pass between its two heads and then travel it posteriorly.

Origin: It has two heads – one originates from the medial epicondyle of the humerus, the other from the radius. The muscle splits into four tendons at the wrist, which travels through the carpal tunnel.

Insertion: Attaches to the middle phalanges of the four fingers.

Function: Flexes the metacarpophalangeal joints and proximal interphalangeal joints at the 4 fingers, and flexes at the wrist.

Nerve supply: Median nerve.