Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus

Function

The extensor carpi radialis longus muscle does the following:

• Extends the wrist.
  This means that the extensor carpi radialis longus muscle straightens the wrist joint such that the angle between the back of the hand and the back of the forearm decreases (i.e. it moves the back of the hand toward the back of the forearm).



• Abducts the hand.
  This means that the extensor carpi radialis longus muscle bends the wrist sideways such that the thumb side of the hand moves toward the forearm.