The flexor pollicis longus muscle is located in the anterior compartment of the forearm, playing a crucial role in the flexion of the thumb. It is a relatively long and slender muscle.

Origin:
Originating from the anterior surface of the radius and the adjacent interosseous membrane, the flexor pollicis longus takes its starting point from the bony and membranous structures in the forearm.

Insertion:
The muscle inserts into the base of the distal phalanx of the thumb. Specifically, it inserts into the palmar surface of the base of the distal phalanx. This insertion site establishes a connection with the bone of the thumb.

Function:
Functionally, the flexor pollicis longus is a powerful flexor of the thumb at both the interphalangeal (IP) joint and the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint. It actively participates in bending the thumb, allowing for actions such as grasping objects and opposing the thumb to the other fingers (opposition). The muscle is particularly important for precision grip and fine motor tasks involving the thumb, such as writing, picking up small objects, and manipulating tools. The flexor pollicis longus contributes significantly to the overall functionality and versatility of the hand.

With the complexity of all of the muscles and actions in the fingers, some are important in sports and bodybuilding

Volume 13 - The Fingers and Hand of our Kinesiology of Exercise Ebooks is a first for a book on strength training for the fingers and hand.