Plate 57. Posterior region of the forearm. First and second layers. Volume 1; Osteology, syndesmology, myology of Atlas d'anatomie descriptive du corps humain by Louis Constantin Bonamy and Paul Broca with illustrations by Emile Beau, 1844. The forearm contains two long bones, the radius and the ulna, forming the radioulnar joint. The interosseous membrane connects these bones. The forearm contains many muscles, including the flexors and extensors of the digits, a flexor of the elbow (brachioradialis), and pronators and supinators that turn the hand to face down or upwards, respectively. In cross-section the forearm can be divided into two fascial compartments. The posterior compartment contains the extensors of the hands, which are supplied by the radial nerve. The anterior compartment contains the flexors, and is mainly supplied by the median nerve. The flexor muscles are more massive than the extensors, because they work against gravity and act as anti-gravity muscles. |