What is the antebrachial fascia and what does it do?

The antebrachial fascia is the deep fascia of the forearm. It encloses the forearm and, along with intermuscular septa and the interosseous membrane, helps divide it into compartments for muscles, nerves, and vessels.

How many compartments are in the forearm and what are they?

The forearm has two primary fascial compartments: the anterior compartment, which contains flexors and pronators, and the posterior compartment, which contains extensors and supinators.

What structures help form the compartments of the forearm?

The compartments are formed by the antebrachial fascia, intermuscular septa extending from it, and the interosseous membrane. Together, they separate muscle groups and attach to bones.

What is the flexor retinaculum and where is it located?

The flexor retinaculum is a thickened band of deep fascia on the anterior wrist. It attaches medially to the pisiform and hook of hamate, and laterally to the scaphoid and trapezium.

What is the carpal tunnel and how is it formed?

The carpal tunnel is an osseofibrous canal formed by the flexor retinaculum and the carpal bones. It allows passage for digital flexor tendons and the median nerve.

What are the main functions of the forearm compartments?

The compartments organize structures by function: the anterior compartment is involved in flexion and pronation, while the posterior compartment handles extension and supination. This separation aids in movement and nerve/vessel protection.

Forearm Compartments – Flexor & Extensor Anatomy