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Anterior interosseous nerve

Arteries, veins and nerves of the elbow and forearm.

The anterior interosseous nerve is a branch of the median nerve. This tiny nerve arises from the posterior aspect of the median nerve, between the two heads of the pronator teres muscle

While the nerve descends through the proximal forearm, it courses between the flexor pollicis longus and flexor digitorum profundus muscles. It travels alongside the anterior interosseous artery

In the distal forearm, the nerve courses adjacent to the pronator quadratus muscle and terminates by giving off small terminal branches around the wrist joint. 

The main function of the anterior interosseous nerve is to supply the muscles of the forearm including the:

  • Flexor pollicis longus muscle
  • Lateral aspect of the flexor digitorum profundus muscle
  • Pronator quadratus muscle

In addition, it provides innervation for the distal radioulnar, radiocarpal and some intercarpal joints.

Terminology English: Anterior interosseous nerve
Latin: Nervus interosseous anterior 
Definition The anterior interosseous nerve is a posterior branch of the median nerve located in the forearm. 
Innervation Flexor pollicis longus muscle, flexor digitorum profundus, pronator quadratus muscle, distal radioulnar joint, radiocarpal joint and some intercarpal joints.

Learn more about the neurovasculature of the forearm with the following study unit:

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