Palmaris longus tendon

The primary function of the palmaris longus tendon is to assist in wrist flexion and enhance grip strength. While many muscles contribute to these movements, the palmaris longus provides stability to the wrist joint during flexion and enhances the tension of the skin of the palm, facilitating better grasping of objects. It plays a non-essential role in everyday hand movements, but its contributions are particularly noticeable during actions involving tight gripping or pulling. For some individuals, especially athletes or those using their hands for intricate tasks, this tendon may become more prominent and functional, enhancing their ability to perform such activities effectively.

The palmaris longus tendon is located in the forearm, running along the ulnar (inner) side. Originating from the medial epicondyle of the humerus, it extends down through the wrist region, passing superficial to the flexor retinaculum before inserting into the palmar aponeurosis in the palm of the hand. This positioning allows it to coordinate the movements of the wrist and fingers, particularly influencing the flexion of the wrist itself and the superficial structures in the palm. Although it is not a deeply located tendon, its relationship with surrounding structures, including nerves and blood vessels, makes it an important anatomical feature.

• The palmaris longus tendon can be easily identified by flexing the wrist and feeling the tendon pop up in the middle of the forearm.
• Some cultures consider the presence or absence of this tendon to be a useful aspect of physical character assessment.
• Surgeons sometimes use the palmaris longus tendon for tendon grafts in reconstructive surgeries due to its expendable nature.