Which additional muscle can entrap the median nerve along with the pronator teres?

Prepare for the NPTE Musculoskeletal Exam with comprehensive questions and detailed explanations to boost your confidence and knowledge. Sharpen your skills and ace the exam!

The additional muscle that can entrap the median nerve along with the pronator teres is the superficial head of the flexor digitorum superficialis. This muscle is situated in the forearm and lies just beneath the skin and above the deep structures. It originates from the medial epicondyle of the humerus and the adjacent areas of the ulna and radius, and it inserts into the middle phalanx of the fingers.

When the forearm is in certain positions, especially during repetitive movements or hyperflexion, the superficial head of the flexor digitorum superficialis can become tight or hypertrophied, potentially leading to compression of the median nerve in the region where it passes between the two heads of the pronator teres and beneath the flexor digitorum superficialis. This condition is clinically referred to as pronator syndrome.

This information highlights the anatomical connections and potential sites for median nerve compression, underlining the significant role of the superficial head of the flexor digitorum superficialis in this context. Understanding these anatomical relationships is crucial for identifying and addressing conditions related to median nerve entrapment.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy