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AN12.1-15 | Introduction to Forearm & hand
The forearm and hand are the body's primary tools for interaction with the world. In this module you will learn the muscles, nerves, vessels, compartments, and spaces of the forearm and hand — building the anatomical foundation for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist drop, claw hand, palmar infections, and De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
Learning Objectives
- Describe and demonstrate the muscles of the ventral forearm — their attachments, nerve supply, and actions (AN12.1)
- Identify nerves and vessels of the forearm — their origin, course, relations, branches, and termination (AN12.2)
- Describe the flexor retinaculum with its attachments (AN12.3)
- Explain the anatomical basis of carpal tunnel syndrome (AN12.4)
- Identify and describe small muscles of the hand; describe movements of the thumb and muscles involved (AN12.5, AN12.6)
- Identify and describe the course and branches of blood vessels and nerves in the hand (AN12.7)
- Describe the anatomical basis of claw hand (AN12.8)
- Identify and describe fibrous flexor sheaths, bursae, and digital synovial sheaths (AN12.9)
- Explain fascial space infections of the palm (AN12.10)
- Identify and demonstrate dorsal forearm muscles with attachments, nerve supply, and actions (AN12.11)
- Identify nerves and vessels of the back of the forearm (AN12.12)
- Describe the anatomical basis of wrist drop (AN12.13)
- Identify compartments deep to the extensor retinaculum and describe the anatomical snuffbox (AN12.14)
- Identify and describe extensor expansion (dorsal digital expansion) formation (AN12.15)
INSTRUCTIONS
This module is split into five content sections. Work through them in order — each section builds on the last. Complete the self-check questions at the end of each section before moving on. Have your dissection notes and atlas alongside this guide.
References
- Gray's Anatomy for Students (Drake et al.) — Chapter 7: Upper Limb (Textbook)
- Clinically Oriented Anatomy (Moore et al.) — Forearm, Wrist, Hand (Textbook)
- OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology 2e — Muscles of the Pectoral Girdle and Upper Limbs (CC BY 4.0) (Open Access)
- BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, Vol. 1 — Upper Limb (Textbook)
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