Extensor expansion

Extensor expansion
Extensor expansion covers the tendon of extensor digitorum tendons over the proximal phalanges
TA22502
Anatomical terminology

An extensor expansion (extensor hood, dorsal expansion, dorsal hood, dorsal aponeurosis[citation needed]) is the special connective attachments by which the extensor tendons insert into the phalanges.

These flattened tendons (aponeurosis) of extensor muscles span the proximal and middle phalanges.

At the distal end of the metacarpal, the extensor tendon will expand to form a hood, which covers the back and sides of the head of the metacarpal and the proximal phalanx.

Bands

The expansion soon divides into three bands:

Function

The extensor expansion allows for contractile forces from the extensor compartment muscles to be transferred to the phalanges. It also balances the forces across the phalanges.

References

  1. 1 2 Blankenbaker, Donna G.; Davis, Kirkland W.; Sonin, Andrew; Crim, Julia R., eds. (2016-01-01), "Extensor Tendon Injury, Wrist and Fingers", Diagnostic Imaging: Musculoskeletal Trauma (Second Edition), Diagnostic Imaging, Elsevier, pp. 468–473, doi:10.1016/b978-0-323-39253-2.50118-x, ISBN 978-0-323-39253-2, retrieved 2021-01-04
  2. ↑ "eMedicine - Hand, Tendon Lacerations: Extensors : Article by D Glynn Bolitho, MD, PhD, FACS". Retrieved 2008-01-20.[failed verification]
  3. ↑ Kyung Won, PhD. Chung (2005). Gross Anatomy (Board Review). Hagerstown, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 43. ISBN 0-7817-5309-0.