Flexor pollicis longus

Looks like

A deep forearm muscle from the front of the radius, its tendon running through the carpal tunnel to the thumb tip.

What it does

Bends the tip of the thumb, needed for pinching and grip.

Keeping it well

Powered by the anterior interosseous nerve; cuts of its tendon need surgical repair.

Related conditions

• Botulism
• Compartment syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Frailty & falls in older age
• Heat exhaustion & heatstroke
• Lymphangitis
• Malnutrition & refeeding syndrome
• Muscular dystrophy
• Polymyalgia rheumatica
• Repetitive strain & overuse injury
• Rhabdomyolysis
• Sarcoma
• Sarcopenia
• Tetanus