Proximal attachments

The lateral epicondyle of the humerus via the common extensor tendon. Radial collateral
ligament, adjacent intermuscular septa.

The extensor carpi radialis brevis is one of a group of four superficial extensor muscles in the
forearm (extensor carpi ulnaris, extensor digiti minimi, extensor digitorum and extensor carpi
radialis brevis) which share a common tendinous attachment to the lateral epicondyle of the
humerus.

Distal attachments
The dorsal aspect of the base of the third metacarpal.

The tendon of extensor carpi radialis brevis may send an accessory slip to attach to the second
metacarpal.

Surface anatomy
The tendon of extensor carpi radialis brevis enters the hand through the second dorsal
compartment of the extensor retinaculum, along with the extensor carpi radialis longus. Its tendon
is ulnar to that of extensor carpi radialis longus (it inserts into the base of the third metacarpal and
the longus into the second.)

When making a fist, extensor carpi radialis brevis is palpable on the dorsum of the wrist just distal
to extensor pollicis longus.
Because of the relatively superficial course of tendons in the wrist and hand, they are frequently
divided in sharp injuries.

Nerve supply
The posterior interosseous nerve, a branch of the radial nerve (C7, 8).

Occasionally the nerve supply to the extensor carpi radialis brevis may come from the superficial
branch of the radial nerve.

Actions
Extension (Movie 1, Movie 2) and (when acting together with flexor carpi radialis and extensor
carpi radialis longus) radial deviation of the wrist.