Muscular System

Tensor Fasciae Antebrachii

Musculus tensor fasciae antebrachii

Overview

The tensor fasciae antebrachii is a thin strap muscle on the caudal surface of the upper arm. It originates from the caudal border of the scapula and the latissimus dorsi tendon and inserts on the olecranon via the antebrachial fascia. Its actions are to tense the forearm fascia and assist elbow extension. It is innervated by the radial nerve (roughly C7-T1). It works with the triceps group.

Quick Answer: A thin strap muscle on the caudal surface of the upper arm that tenses the antebrachial fascia and assists in elbow extension. It works with the triceps group.

Anatomical Details

Origin: Caudal border of the scapula and latissimus dorsi tendon

Insertion: Olecranon via the antebrachial fascia

Action: Tenses the forearm fascia; assists elbow extension

Innervation: Radial nerve (C7-T1)

Clinical Significance

Isolated injury is uncommon. Relevant mainly as an assistant to the triceps in elbow extension.

Common Conditions & Injuries

Radial nerve paralysis

## Overview Radial nerve paralysis results from damage to the nerve that innervates the extensors of the elbow, carpus, and digit. Common causes are prolonged lateral recumbency during anesthesia or

What Horse Owners Should Know

Not a structure of primary practical concern for owners under normal circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Radial nerve paralysis in horses?

## Overview Radial nerve paralysis results from damage to the nerve that innervates the extensors of the elbow, carpus, and digit. Common causes are prolonged lateral recumbency during anesthesia or humeral fracture. The horse has a dropped elbow, cannot extend the limb, knuckles at the fetlock, and drags the toe. ## Causes Compression during anesthesia or trauma (including humeral fracture). ## Diagnosis Characteristic posture and gait. The limb can bear weight if the elbow and carpus are splinted in pure nerve paralysis. ## Treatment Supportive care, splinting, anti-inflammatories, and time for compressive injuries. Humeral fracture cases have a poor outlook. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good for many post-anesthetic compressive injuries if the limb is protected. Poor if associated with fracture. ## Prevention Proper padding and positioning during anesthesia. Signs include: dropped elbow; inability to extend the elbow and carpus; knuckling at the fetlock; dragging the toe

What are the clinical concerns for the Tensor Fasciae Antebrachii?

Isolated injury is uncommon. Relevant mainly as an assistant to the triceps in elbow extension.

What should horse owners know about the Tensor Fasciae Antebrachii?

Not a structure of primary practical concern for owners under normal circumstances.

Explore This Structure in 3D

See the Tensor Fasciae Antebrachii on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model