
The flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) is a muscle in the forearm that flexes the fingers. It is considered an extrinsic hand muscle because it acts on the hand while its muscle belly is located in the forearm. The FDP is also called the perforating muscle because its tendons go through the tendons of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS). The FDS and FDP work together to contract and provide power during finger flexion movements. The FDP is also one of the muscles that make up the deep layer of ventral forearm muscles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle Name | Flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) |
| Muscle Type | Composite/Hybrid |
| Muscle Group | Forearm |
| Function | Flexes the fingers |
| Muscle Belly Location | Forearm |
| Innervation | Ulnar and anterior interosseous nerves |
| Tendon Attachment | Distal phalanx |
| Joints | Wrist (midcarpal), metacarpophalangeal, interphalangeal |
| Relationship with Other Muscles | Works with FDS to provide power during finger flexion |
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What You'll Learn
- The flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) is considered a hybrid or composite muscle
- The FDP is an extrinsic hand muscle
- The FDP is innervated by the ulnar and anterior interosseous nerves
- The FDP is one of two flexor muscles that is not exclusively supplied by the median nerve
- The FDP is used to aid the lumbrical muscles in their role as extensors of the interphalangeal joints

The flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) is considered a hybrid or composite muscle
The flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) is a muscle in the forearm that flexes the fingers. It is considered a hybrid or composite muscle due to its unique innervation and structure.
Firstly, the FDP is innervated by two different nerves, the ulnar nerve and the anterior interosseous nerve, which is a branch of the median nerve. This dual innervation is a key characteristic of a hybrid muscle. The ulnar nerve supplies the medial aspect of the FDP, which flexes the fourth and fifth digits, while the anterior interosseous nerve supplies the lateral aspect, which flexes the second and third digits.
Secondly, the FDP is a deep muscle that lies beneath the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS). Its tendons pass through the tendons of the FDS and attach to the distal phalanx, giving it the alternative name of the perforating muscle. This unique structural arrangement further contributes to its classification as a hybrid or composite muscle.
The FDP is an extrinsic hand muscle, meaning it acts on the hand while its muscle belly is located in the forearm. Specifically, it forms the third layer of the anterior compartment of the forearm, along with the flexor pollicis longus muscle. The FDP is crucial for fine hand movements, working synergistically with intrinsic and extrinsic muscles to achieve precise finger flexion.
In summary, the flexor digitorum profundus is considered a hybrid or composite muscle due to its dual innervation by the ulnar and anterior interosseous nerves, as well as its distinct structural characteristics, including its relationship with the FDS. This muscle plays a vital role in finger flexion and fine hand movements, making it an essential component of the human forearm and hand anatomy.
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The FDP is an extrinsic hand muscle
The flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) is an extrinsic hand muscle. It is a flexor of the wrist (midcarpal), metacarpophalangeal, and interphalangeal joints. The FDP is one of the muscles in the forearm that acts on the hand while its muscle belly is located in the forearm. It is considered a hybrid or composite muscle as it is innervated by two different nerves: the ulnar and anterior interosseous nerves. The ulnar nerve supplies the FDP tendons to the little and ring fingers, while the other FDP tendons are supplied by the median nerve.
The FDP is one of two flexor muscles that is not exclusively supplied by the median nerve, with the other being the flexor carpi ulnaris. The median nerve commonly innervates 12 muscles in the arm, including the flexor digitorum sublimis (FDS), lateral portion of the FDP, and flexor pollicis longus (FPL). The FDS and FDP tendons travel distally from the forearm through the carpal tunnel and then through a fibro-osseous tunnel in each digit to insert into the respective phalanges.
The FDP is also known as the perforating muscle because its tendons go through the tendons of the FDS, attaching more distally to the distal phalanx. The FDS tendon inserts into the sides of the middle phalanx and flexes the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ), while the FDP inserts into the base of the distal phalanx and flexes the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ). The FDS and FDP contract together to provide power during finger flexion movements, with the FDS providing the main driving force in flexion without resistance.
The FDP is important for fine hand movements, which require the synergistic contraction of intrinsic and extrinsic muscles to be achieved. The intrinsic muscles of the hand, along with the tendons of the forearm flexors and extensors, are responsible for movements of the digits. The FDP is also involved in the extension of the fingers, as the lumbrical muscles (intrinsic muscles of the hand) attach to its tendon, allowing power to be transferred from the FDP to fully extend the fingers.
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The FDP is innervated by the ulnar and anterior interosseous nerves
The flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) is a muscle in the forearm that flexes the fingers. It is considered an extrinsic hand muscle because it acts on the hand while its muscle belly is located in the forearm. The muscle is also referred to as a hybrid or composite muscle because it is innervated by two different nerves: the ulnar and anterior interosseous nerves.
The ulnar nerve supplies the FDP tendons to the little and ring fingers, while the other FDP tendons are supplied by the median nerve. The median nerve supplies sensation to the palmar index, middle fingers, thumb, and proximal palm near the thenar eminence. The ulnar nerve, on the other hand, provides sensation to the ulnar side of the hand, little finger, and dorsal ulnar region of the hand through the dorsal cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve.
The lateral aspect of the FDP, which flexes the 2nd and 3rd digits, is innervated by the median nerve's anterior interosseous branch (C8, T1). The medial aspect, which flexes the 4th and 5th digits, is supplied by the ulnar nerve (C8, T1). The FDP is one of two flexor muscles that is not solely supplied by the median nerve; the other is the flexor carpi ulnaris.
The FDP works in conjunction with the intrinsic muscles of the hand, the tendons of the forearm flexors, and the tendons of the forearm extensors to produce fine hand movements. The synergistic contraction of these muscles during finger flexion movements was observed in a study using a Finite Element Digital Human Hand Model (FE-DHHM). The results showed that the FDP and FDS contracted together to provide power during flexion movements, while the ED acted as an antagonist.
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The FDP is one of two flexor muscles that is not exclusively supplied by the median nerve
The flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) is a muscle in the forearm that flexes the fingers. It is considered an extrinsic hand muscle because its muscle belly is located in the forearm. The FDP is a flexor of the wrist (midcarpal), metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints. The lumbricals, intrinsic muscles of the hand, attach to the tendon of the FDP. This helps the lumbrical muscles in their role as extensors of the interphalangeal joints. The FDP is also known as the perforating muscle because it lies deep to the superficialis, but it attaches more distally.
The FDP is a composite muscle, innervated by the anterior interosseous nerve and ulnar nerves. The medial aspect of the muscle (which flexes the 4th and 5th digits) is supplied by the ulnar nerve. The lateral aspect (which flexes the 2nd and 3rd digits) is supplied by the median nerve, specifically the anterior interosseous branch. The median nerve commonly innervates 12 muscles in the arm, including the lateral portion of the FDP.
The FDP is the main gripping muscle and is important for hand gripping power. Fine hand movements require the synergistic contraction of intrinsic and extrinsic muscles. The FDS and FDP contract together to provide power during flexion movements. The maximal forces produced by individual muscles depend on the experimental conditions, i.e., the number of muscles involved.
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The FDP is used to aid the lumbrical muscles in their role as extensors of the interphalangeal joints
The flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) is a muscle in the forearm that flexes the fingers. It is considered an extrinsic hand muscle because it acts on the hand while its muscle belly is located in the forearm. The FDP is also known as flexor digitorum communis profundus.
The FDP is one of two flexor muscles that is not exclusively supplied by the median nerve. It is a composite muscle, innervated by the ulnar and anterior interosseous nerves. The medial aspect of the muscle (which flexes the 4th and 5th digit) is supplied by the ulnar nerve, while the lateral aspect (which flexes the 2nd and 3rd digit) is innervated by the median nerve.
The FDP is also involved in synergistic contraction with intrinsic and extrinsic muscles to achieve fine hand movements. During finger flexion movements, the FDP contracts with the FDS to provide power, while the ED acts as an antagonist. The co-activation of the antagonist muscle improves the precision of the movement and is important for maintaining joint stability.
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Frequently asked questions
FDP stands for Flexor Digitorum Profundus, a muscle in the forearm that flexes the fingers.
No, the FDP is an extrinsic muscle of the hand. It is considered extrinsic because its muscle belly is located in the forearm.
The FDP is a flexor of the wrist, metacarpophalangeal, and interphalangeal joints. It also aids the lumbrical muscles in their role as extensors of the interphalangeal joints.
The FDP and FDS are both muscles that contribute to finger flexion. However, the FDS inserts into the middle phalanx and flexes the proximal interphalangeal joint, while the FDP inserts into the distal phalanx and flexes the distal interphalangeal joint.
The FDP is a hybrid or composite muscle innervated by two different nerves: the ulnar nerve and the anterior interosseous nerve.








































