Which muscle is involved in wrist extension?

The muscle involved in wrist extension is the extensor carpi radialis. This muscle is part of the posterior compartment of the forearm and plays a crucial role in moving the wrist. Specifically, it helps extend the wrist joint and can also contribute to radial deviation (moving the wrist towards the thumb side).

Wrist extension is the movement that straightens the wrist, which typically requires the activation of muscles that are situated on the back of the forearm. The extensor carpi radialis is particularly effective in this action, as it crosses over the wrist joint and pulls the dorsal aspect of the hand upward.

In contrast, the other options listed primarily involve wrist flexion or do not contribute to wrist motion. The flexor carpi ulnaris and palmaris longus are involved in flexing the wrist, while the pronator teres primarily facilitates pronation of the forearm rather than wrist movement. Understanding the specific roles of each of these muscles is essential in both anatomy and functional movement, particularly for rehabilitation and strength training related to wrist functionality.