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    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Syndesmoses
    Fibrous joints where bones are connected by ligaments.
    Temporal Bones
    Bones forming the lower sides of the skull and housing the ears.
    Palatine Bones
    Bones forming part of the hard palate and nasal cavity.
    Inferior Nasal Conchae
    Bones inside the nasal cavity that filter and humidify air.
    Acetabulum
    The acetabulum is the pelvic socket that connects with the femoral head to form the hip joint, vital for stability, movement, and weight-bearing.
    Gliding (Plane) Joints
    e.g., between carpals
    Brachioradialis
    Muscle responsible for forearm flexion.
    Metacarpals (5 bones)
    5 bones forming the palm of the hand.
    Ellipsoidal (Condyloid) Joints
    e.g., wrist
    Parietal Bones
    Bones forming the sides and roof of the skull.
    Latissimus Dorsi
    Back muscle responsible for arm adduction and extension.
    Sacrum
    Triangular bone at the base of the spine.
    Cervical Vertebrae (C1 - C7)
    Vertebrae in the neck region (C1-C7).
    Sternum
    Breastbone located in the center of the chest.
    Facial Bones
    Bones forming the structure of the face.
    Ischium
    Part of the pelvis that supports weight while sitting.
    Ulna
    Forearm bone on the pinky side.
    Nasal Bones
    Bones forming the bridge of the nose.
    Buccinator
    Muscle that helps with chewing and blowing air out.
    Anterior Longitudinal Ligament
    Spinal ligament running along the front of the vertebral column.
    Zygomatic Bones
    Cheekbones that form part of the orbit.
    Masseter
    Muscle that elevates the mandible.
    Iliolumbar Ligament
    Ligament connecting the ilium and lumbar vertebrae.
    Coracoacromial Ligament
    Ligament that connects the acromion to the coracoid process.
    Mandible
    Lower jawbone that houses the teeth.

    Extensor Tendons

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Tendons that help extend the fingers and toes.

    1. Overview

    The extensor tendons are strong, fibrous structures that connect the extensor muscles of the forearm and leg to the bones of the hand, fingers, and foot. They transmit the force generated by these muscles to extend the joints, particularly in the fingers, wrist, toes, and ankle. Extensor tendons are essential for performing actions such as releasing a grip, straightening fingers and toes, and maintaining upright posture during movement. Due to their superficial position, especially in the hand and foot, they are susceptible to injury.

    2. Location

    Extensor tendons are found in both the upper and lower limbs, typically on the dorsal (posterior) side:

    • Upper limb:

      • Extend from the lateral epicondyle of the humerus down the dorsal aspect of the wrist and into the fingers.

      • Pass through six dorsal compartments under the extensor retinaculum at the wrist.

    • Lower limb:

      • Originate from muscles of the anterior compartment of the leg and extend over the ankle to insert on the toes.

      • Pass beneath the superior and inferior extensor retinacula of the foot.

    3. Structure

    Extensor tendons are composed of dense regular connective tissue primarily made of type I collagen fibers aligned in parallel:

    • Sheathed tendons: Enclosed within synovial sheaths that reduce friction during motion, especially at the wrist and ankle.

    • Extensor mechanism (hand): Complex network over the dorsum of the fingers including the central slip, lateral bands, and terminal extensor tendon.

    • Retinacula: Thickened bands (extensor retinaculum at wrist; superior/inferior extensor retinacula at ankle) that secure tendons and prevent bowstringing.

    • Extensor hood (dorsal digital expansion): Flattened tendinous expansion that assists in coordinated finger extension by interconnecting intrinsic hand muscles.

    4. Function

    Extensor tendons transmit muscle contractions that allow the extension of joints:

    • Wrist extension: Via extensor carpi radialis longus/brevis and extensor carpi ulnaris tendons.

    • Finger extension: Controlled by extensor digitorum, extensor indicis, and extensor digiti minimi tendons.

    • Thumb extension: Enabled by extensor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons.

    • Toe extension: Performed by tendons of extensor hallucis longus and extensor digitorum longus in the foot.

    These actions are essential for releasing objects, walking, balancing, and fine motor activities.

    5. Physiological role(s)

    Extensor tendons contribute to a variety of physiological and functional processes:

    • Hand and foot control: Enable complex movement and fine control in the digits for tasks like writing, typing, or balancing during locomotion.

    • Posture and gait: Assist in dorsiflexion of the foot and toe extension to prevent tripping during walking.

    • Tension modulation: Distribute muscle force evenly across joints through interconnected tendon networks.

    • Proprioception: Contain mechanoreceptors that help the brain sense limb position and motion.

    6. Clinical Significance

    Extensor tendons are frequently involved in injuries, degenerative conditions, and surgical procedures:

    • Extensor tendon lacerations:

      • Commonly occur due to trauma or sharp injuries, especially on the dorsum of the hand or foot; require surgical repair if completely ruptured.

    • Mallet finger:

      • Caused by rupture or avulsion of the extensor tendon at the distal phalanx; results in inability to actively extend the fingertip.

    • Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow):

      • Overuse condition involving microtears in the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon; causes lateral elbow pain.

    • Extensor tendon subluxation or dislocation:

      • Usually occurs in the hand due to damage to retinacula or sagittal bands.

    • Degenerative tendinopathies:

      • Repetitive stress and aging can lead to chronic extensor tendon inflammation, thickening, or rupture, particularly in rheumatoid arthritis.

    • Surgical relevance:

      • Common site for tendon transfers, grafts, or repair after trauma; requires careful management to restore balanced finger or foot function.

    Did you know? Tendons attach muscles to bones.