3 I2 



APPLIED ANATOMY. 



SURFACE ANATOMY OF THE FOREARM. 



The forearm has the shape of a somewhat flattened cone, being large above and 

 small below. This is because the bellies of the muscles lie above and their tendons 

 below. Most of the muscles of the forearm go to the hand and fingers. The 

 prehensile functions of the hand require a strong grasp; hence it is that we find 

 the flexor muscles on the anterior surface of the forearm much larger and more 

 powerful than the extensors posteriorly, and the bones of the forearm, the radius and 

 ulna, nearer the surface posteriorly. 



Anterior Surface. Anteriorly nothing is to be felt except muscles and 

 tendons. The extent to which these can be outlined depends on the absence of 



Supinators and extensors 



Tendon of flexor carpi radialis 



Pronator and flexors 



Tendcn of palmaris longus 

 Transverse furrows 



FIG. 327. Surface anatomy of the forearm. 



subcutaneous fat and the degree of development and contraction of the individual 

 muscles. The skin of the forearm is loose and thin. Through it can be seen 

 anteriorly, the median vein going up the middle and the radial vein winding around 

 the back of the wrist and crossing the outer edge of the radius about its middle. 

 On the inner side near the elbow the anterior and posterior ulnar veins are visible 

 passing posteriorly. 



Sometimes there is a slight depression on the inner side below the medial 

 (internal) condyle which is caused by the bicipital fascia holding the muscle down. 

 The biceps tendon can be felt at the bend of the elbow, and immediately below 

 it for the distance of 5 cm. (2 in. ) can be felt a hollow, the antecubital fossa. The 

 mass of muscles between it and the ulna on the inside and posteriorly are the 



