
Muscles of the human forearm The forearm contains flexor and extensor muscles, which help control fine movements of the wrist, hand, and fingers. (more) forearm anatomy Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/forearm Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.
External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Aug 14, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " What is the forearm? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "The forearm is the region of the upper limb located between the elbow and the wrist." } } , { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " What types of bones and muscles are found in the forearm? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "The forearm consists of two long bones, the radius and the ulna. It contains two major types of muscles, flexor and extensor muscles, which play key functional roles in movement." } } , { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " What movements does the forearm control? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "The forearm helps to control precise motor movements of the wrist, hand, and fingers, as well as movements involving strength, such as gripping, and complex twisting motions, such as pronation and supination." } } ] } Top Questions What is the forearm? The forearm is the region of the upper limb located between the elbow and the wrist.
What types of bones and muscles are found in the forearm? The forearm consists of two long bones, the radius and the ulna. It contains two major types of muscles, flexor and extensor muscles, which play key functional roles in movement.
What movements does the forearm control? The forearm helps to control precise motor movements of the wrist, hand, and fingers, as well as movements involving strength, such as gripping, and complex twisting motions, such as pronation and supination.
forearm, region of the upper limb located between the elbow and the wrist, consisting of two long bones—the radius and the ulna—that run parallel to one another. These bones are connected by an interosseous membrane and provide structural support for the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that help control fine movements of the wrist, hand, and fingers. The forearm contains both flexor muscles and extensor muscles, which enable a wide range of precise movements. It is also traversed by major nerves, such as the median, ulnar, and radial nerves, and by blood vessels, including the radial and ulnar arteries. Functionally, the ...(100 of 148 words)
Continue reading with Britannica Premium The trusted destination for facts and information 7-Day Free Trial, No Ads, Unlimited Access Subscribe Today