Final answer:
The forearm flexors include the biceps brachii, brachialis, and brachioradialis which aid in bending the elbow. The extensors, primarily the triceps brachii and anconeus, extend the elbow. Pronator teres and pronator quadratus work in pronation, with the supinator muscle facilitating supination.
Step-by-step explanation:
Forearm Muscles: Flexors and Extensors
The muscles that facilitate movement in the forearm are broadly divided into flexors and extensors. The primary forearm flexors are the biceps brachii, brachialis, and brachioradialis. These muscles enable the bending of the elbow joint and are located in the anterior compartment of the arm. On the other side, the forearm extensors include the triceps brachii and anconeus, which are responsible for straightening the elbow. Additionally, muscles like the pronator teres and pronator quadratus are involved in pronation—rotating the forearm so that the palm faces downwards—while the supinator is responsible for supination—rotating the forearm so that the palm faces upwards.
When considering the mechanical aspects, factors such as flexion, extension, pronation, and supination must be discussed. The flexors and extensors aid in moving the wrist, hands, and fingers through the attachment of the tendons to the wrist and extending into the hand, sheathed by fibrous bands called retinacula, with the flexor retinaculum and extensor retinaculum securing the tendons on the palmar and dorsal surfaces of the hand, respectively.