The common extensor tendon is a

tendon A tendon or sinew is a tough band of fibrous connective tissue, dense fibrous connective tissue that connects skeletal muscle, muscle to bone. It sends the mechanical forces of muscle contraction to the skeletal system, while withstanding tensi ...

that attaches to the lateral epicondyle of the

humerus The humerus (; : humeri) is a long bone in the arm that runs from the shoulder to the elbow. It connects the scapula and the two bones of the lower arm, the radius (bone), radius and ulna, and consists of three sections. The humeral upper extrem ...

Structure

The common extensor tendon serves as the upper attachment (in part) for the superficial muscles that are located on the posterior aspect of the

forearm The forearm is the region of the upper limb between the elbow and the wrist. The term forearm is used in anatomy to distinguish it from the arm, a word which is used to describe the entire appendage of the upper limb, but which in anatomy, techn ...

: *

Extensor carpi radialis brevis In human anatomy, extensor carpi radialis brevis is a muscle in the forearm that acts to extend and abduct the wrist. It is shorter and thicker than its namesake extensor carpi radialis longus which can be found above the proximal end of the ext ...

* Extensor digitorum * Extensor digiti minimi * Extensor carpi ulnaris The tendon of extensor carpi radialis brevis is usually the most major tendon to which the other tendons merge.

Function

The common extensor tendon is the major attachment point for extensor muscles of the forearm. This enables finger extension and aids in forearm supination.

Clinical significance

Lateral elbow pain can be caused by various pathologies of the common extensor tendon.

Overuse injuries A repetitive strain injury (RSI) is an injury to part of the musculoskeletal or nervous system caused by repetitive use, vibrations, compression or long periods in a fixed position. Other common names include repetitive stress injury, repetitiv ...

can lead to

inflammation Inflammation (from ) is part of the biological response of body tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. The five cardinal signs are heat, pain, redness, swelling, and loss of function (Latin ''calor'', '' ...

. Tennis elbow is a common issue with the common extensor tendon.

References

Tendons Upper limb anatomy {{Musculoskeletal-stub

Structure

Function

Clinical significance

See also

References