Palmaris Longus Muscle

Palmaris Longus Muscle

The palmaris longus is seen as a small tendon between the flexor carpi radialis and the flexor carpi ulnaris, although it is not always present. The muscle is absent in about 14 percent of the population, however this varies greatly with ethnicity. Absence of palmaris does not have any known effect on grip strength. However, lack of the palmaris longus muscle is disadvantageous in that its tendon can not be harvested as a graft if necessary.

Palmaris longus can be palpated by touching the pads of the fifth and first fingers and flexing the wrist. The tendon, if present, will be very visible.