Archives of Perinatal Medicine 16(4), 218-224, 2010 ORIGINAL PAPER

Flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) muscle (m. flexor carpi ulnaris)

in foetal period
MARCIN ZIAJKIEWICZ 1, ALICJA KĘDZIA1, KRZYSZTOF DUDEK2

Abstract
The goal of the study was flexor carpi ulnaris muscle metrology and topography in foetal period. The examined
material belonged to Normal Anatomy Dept. of Medical University of Wrocław. The survey comprised 101 foetuses
(50 females) morphologically aged IV-VII months (v-tub: 83-233 mm). Foetuses' age was as follow: 17 foetuses aged
4 months, 33 foetuses aged 5 months, 29 foetuses aged 6 months and 22 foetuses aged 7 months of foetal life. The
following methods were incorporated: preparational method, anthropological method, image acquisition, Scion for
windows and Image J systems computer measurements. Statistical analysis included t-Student's test, chi-square test
and regression analysis. The study aimed at symmetry evaluation, sexual dimorphism assessment, growth rate analysis
as well as anatomical types determination. Flexor carpi ulnaris muscle sizes symmetry was observed on the right and
left side. No sexual dimorphism was detected in FCU muscle structure. FCU muscle sizes growth rate in 4-6 months
of foetal life is stable. The highest growth was observed in the case of the length LFCU: 9.1 mm per month and LFL: 8.7
mm per month. However, the increase of the breadth BFT: 0.3 mm per month was the slowest. Breadth-length ratio
of free tendon was stable and amounted to 24.1%. FCU breadth-length ratio monthly increase is 0.6% and free tendon
length and FCU muscle total length ratio decreases monthly by 1% on average. Free tendon three structure types were
distinguished: short (!1) with massive belly in the area of terminal attachment, normal (0) and long (1) in relation
to massive belly.
Key words: flexor carpi ulnaris muscle, fetal period

Introduction
Flexor carpi ulnaris muscle belongs to the group of
forearm palmar muscles. It is situated paramesially in
the superficial layer of forearm palmar muscles. Flexor
carpi ulnaris has two heads. Brachial head initial attach-
ment is situated on the paramesial epicondyle of brachial
bone. Ulnar head starts with the tendinous initial attach-
ment on the posterior wall of ulnar anconeal process. It
is also connected with forearm fascia. The muscle pro-
ceeds to the wrist, attaches to the pisiform bone with
a strong tendon and grows together with the adhesive
muscles.
Lewis [15] observed the presence of flexor carpi
ulnaris muscles in 18 mm long embryo. In 20 mm long
embryo, the muscle contained two heads (brachial and
ulnar) – the tendon gets formed in this period as well.
FCU muscle has very many anatomical variations and
although they are rare, their clinical importance is very
big. Al-Qattan and F. Duerksen (1992) [1] describe con-
duplicate tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris tendon surroun-
ded with ulnar nerve ramus. Testut and Latariet [20]
presented non typical final attachment of flexor carpi
ulnaris tendon up to IV and V metacarpal bone, its ten-
don duplication with the attachment to small finger
metacarpal – carpal joint, fibrous or muscular conne-
ction from the tendon to carpal ligaments. As well as
FCU muscle conduplication from paramesial epicondyle
to pisiform bone. Elliot R., Smith G. (1985) examined
FCU muscle variation with accessory abductor digiti
minimi association in the further forearm. This accesso-
ry muscle is superficially located in relation to abductor
digiti minimi and they are characteristic for common
attachment. Holtzman et al. (1984) [7] present the mus-
cle modification which is characteristic for the formation
of fibrous strands of muscular belly or ulnar artery.
Turner and Caird (1997) [21], in their casuistic paper,
presented anatomical variation where the FCU muscle
tendon at the height of pisiform bone initiates the mus-
cle passing between motor and sensory branches of ul-
nar nerve and attaches to carpal ligaments. Houshang S.
(1993) [8] reports about inverted FCU muscle. Harrel-
son J. et al. [6] present the case of 22 year old man with
FCU muscle hypertrophy. Rao K. et al. [18] discuss

1
Anatomy Department, Medical University of Wrocław, Poland
2
Institute of Machines Design and Operation, Technical University of Wrocław, Poland
 Flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) muscle (m. flexor carpi ulnaris) in foetal period 219

ulnar and humeral heads forming separate bellies.
Grechening W. et al. [5], in their paper, observed a num-
ber of anatomical variants of FCU muscular-tendinous
associations on the material of 100 adult or senile
autopsical corpses. They distinguished III types: I – mas-
sive muscular belly reached final attachment and
covered the tendon. In variation II, single muscular fib-
res followed the tendon up to the final attachment and in
type III, muscular-tendinous association ended up more
proximally. All the above changes are of the clinical im-
portance and they are strictly connected with ulnar ner-
ve isthmic syndrome. This muscle anatomy seems sub-
stantial in hand surgery, plastic surgery, orthopaedics
and neurosurgery.
Available literature does not provide the description
of flexor carpi ulnaris muscle in foetal period as the
accounts refer to embryonic and adult periods only. The
goal of the study was to define metrology and topo-
graphy of flexor carpi ulnaris muscle in foetal period.
Material
The examined material came from the collection of
Normal Anatomy Dept. Medical University of Wrocław.
It included 101 foetuses (50 females) morphologically
aged IV-VII months (v-tub: 83-233 mm). Foetuses age
was as follow: 17 foetuses – IV months, 33 foetuses – V
months, 29 foetuses – VI months, 22 foetuses – VII
months.
Method
The study incorporated the following methods: pre-
parational, anthropological, image acquisition with digital
camera. The measurements were done with Scion for
Windows and Image J systems [9, 19]. Computer measu-
rements constitute an important novelty element and
they are performed to within 0.01 mm, they are repeata-
ble and do not damage examined material. Earlier own
examinations on muscles revealed these methods high
applicability in metrological studies. Statistical analysis
included t-Student's test, chi-square test and regression
analysis.
Results
The survey postulations included metrological ana-
lysis, symmetry assessment, sexual dimorphism evalua-
tion and typology definition. Table 1 presents the data
concerning v-tub, v-pl and body mass.

Table 1. Basic statistics (mean ± SD) of the examined foetuses somatic features
v-tub [mm] v-pl [mm] mass [g]
Month N Gender
mean SD mean SD mean SD
8 F 94.0 9.4 131.0 15.5 61 21
IV 9 M 102.2 3.2 141.6 8.7 60 9
17 S 98.4 7.9 136.6 13.1 60 16
11 F 135.5 20.0 211.7 54.6 189 101
V 22 M 133.5 14.9 188.5 21.7 162 90
33 S 134.2 16.5 196.3 36.9 171 93
21 F 178.4 12.3 253.9 18.1 366 105
VI 8 M 183.5 13.2 261.6 18.4 430 156
29 S 179.8 12.7 256.0 18.2 384 122
11 F 217.2 9.2 311.1 14.7 665 121
VII 11 M 215.6 10.3 315.7 18.7 639 115
22 S 216.4 9.6 313.5 16.6 651 117
50 F 163.2 42.5 236.4 63.2 338 221
Total 50 M 154.0 42.6 219.8 65.2 291 240
101 S 159.9 44.5 229.1 65.1 318 232
F vs. M t-test: P = 0.125 P = 0.068 P = 0.149
220 M. Ziajkiewicz, A. Kędzia, K. Dudek

Male and female foetuses did not differ much in

respect of v-tub, v-pl lengths and mass (P > 0.05).
Applying preparational method, image computer acqui-
sition and morphological features quantitative assess-
ment, limb parameters taken on were (Fig. 1) were:
• LFA – forearm length, [mm];
F F • LFCU – musculus flexor carpi ulnaris length, [mm];
• BFCU – musculus flexor carpi ulnaris breadth, [mm];
• LFT – free tendon length, [mm];
• BFT – free tendon breadth, [mm];
• LBM – muscle belly length, [mm].

Fig.1. Flexor carpi ulnaris muscle diagram with measure- Tables 2 and 3 present basic statistics (mean ± standard
ment data. A – whole muscle length, B – free tendon length, deviation) of the observed parameters measured sepa-
C – forearm length, D – muscular belly length, E – muscular rately for the left and right limb.
belly width, F – tendon width

Table 2. Basic statistics (mean ± SD) of the right limb flexor carpi ulnaris muscle
Month N Gender LFAR LFCUR LFTR BFCUR BFTR LBMR
8 F 17.9 ± 2.6 19.2 ± 2.7 2.6 ± 0.7 1.6 ± 0.3 0.4 ± 0.1 16.4 ± 2.7
IV 9 M 19.6 ± 2.4 19.3 ± 2.4 2.1 ± 1.3 1.7 ± 0.4 0.5 ± 0.1 17.2 ± 2.6
17 S 18.8 ± 2.5 19.3 ± 2.4 2.3 ± 1.1 1.6 ± 0.3 0.5 ± 0.1 16.8 ± 2.6
11 F 32.1 ± 7.5 33.2 ± 8.0 3.6 ± 0.7 2.8 ± 0.7 0.8 ± 0.2 29.6 ± 8.0
V 22 M 27.1 ± 4.6 28.3 ± 4.7 3.1 ± 2.0 2.5 ± 0.7 0.8 ± 0.1 25.3 ± 3.9
33 S 28.7 ± 6.1 30.0 ± 6.3 3.2 ± 1.7 2.6 ± 0.7 0.8 ± 0.1 26.7 ± 5.9
21 F 37.9 ± 5.2 39.0 ± 5.0 3.9 ± 1.3 3.8 ± 0.7 1.0 ± 0.2 35.4 ± 4.8
VI 8 M 37.6 ± 3.9 38.5 ± 4.5 4.0 ± 1.3 3.7 ± 1.0 1.1 ± 0.4 34.5 ± 4.9
29 S 37.8 ± 4.8 38.9 ± 4.8 3.9 ± 1.3 3.8 ± 0.8 1.1 ± 0.3 35.2 ± 4.8
11 F 45.7 ± 2.6 47.5 ± 2.5 3.9 ± 0.5 4.7 ± 0.5 1.4 ± 0.3 43.6 ± 2.4
VII 11 M 44.0 ± 3.9 45.9 ± 4.0 4.3 ± 0.8 4.6 ± 0.6 1.2 ± 0.2 41.6 ± 3.9
22 S 44.8 ± 3.3 46.7 ± 3.3 4.1 ± 0.7 4.7 ± 0.6 1.3 ± 0.3 42.6 ± 3.3

Table 3. Basic statistics (mean ± SD) of the left limb flexor carpi ulnaris muscle
Month N Gender LFAL LFCUL LFTL BFCUL BFTL LBML
8 F 18.0 ± 2.6 19.2 ± 2.7 2.6 ± 0.7 1.6 ± 0.3 0.4 ± 0.1 16.4 ± 2.8
IV 9 M 19.5 ± 2.3 19.4 ± 2.3 2.2 ± 1.3 1.7 ± 0.4 0.5 ± 0.1 17.2 ± 2.5
17 S 18.8 ± 2.5 19.3 ± 2.4 2.3 ± 1.0 1.6 ± 0.3 0.5 ± 0.1 16.8 ± 2.6
11 F 31.9 ± 7.4 33.2 ± 7.9 3.6 ± 0.7 2.8 ± 0.7 0.8 ± 0.1 29.6 ± 7.8
V 22 M 27.0 ± 4.6 28.4 ± 4.7 3.1 ± 2.0 2.6 ± 0.7 0.8 ± 0.1 25.3 ± 3.9
33 S 28.6 ± 6.0 30.0 ± 6.3 3.2 ± 1.7 2.6 ± 0.7 0.8 ± 0.1 26.8 ± 5.8
21 F 37.8 ± 5.1 39.0 ± 4.9 3.9 ± 1.3 3.7 ± 0.7 1.0 ± 0.2 35.2 ± 4.6
VI 8 M 37.7 ± 4.0 38.5 ± 4.7 4.1 ± 1.3 3.7 ± 0.9 1.1 ± 0.3 34.4 ± 5.2
29 S 37.8 ± 4.8 38.8 ± 4.8 3.9 ± 1.3 3.7 ± 0.7 1.0 ± 0.2 35.0 ± 4.7
11 F 45.7 ± 2.5 47.5 ± 2.5 3.9 ± 0.5 4.8 ± 0.5 1.4 ± 0.4 43.6 ± 2.4
VII 11 M 43.9 ± 3.9 45.9 ± 4.0 4.2 ± 0.9 4.6 ± 0.6 1.2 ± 0.2 41.6 ± 3.9
22 S 44.8 ± 3.3 46.6 ± 3.4 4.1 ± 0.7 4.7 ± 0.6 1.3 ± 0.3 42.6 ± 3.3
 Flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) muscle (m. flexor carpi ulnaris) in foetal period 221

Right and left forearm parameters sizes both in parti-
cular age groups and for the whole material were com-
pared with t-Student's test for independent variables. In
all cases, sizes difference on the right and left side were
not statistically significant (significance level α = 0.05).
Example comparison result of right and left hand FCU
muscle is presented in Fig. 2. Due to no significant
difference in sizes, sexual dimorphism was observed for
In the analysed material, female foetuses were older
(longer and heavier) but the difference was not statistical-
ly significant (P > 0.05). However, statistically significant
difference was observed in forearm length, FCU length
and breadth (Fig. 3) as well as BM length (Fig. 5). Free
tendon length and width did not differ significantly (Fig. 4).
Mean
T-test:
t = –1.573; P = 0.117
Mean±SE

Mean±1.96* SE

combined data. 3,9

3,8
T-Test for Dependent Samples: Mean 3,7
t = –0.144; P = 0.885
Mean± SE 3,6
Mean±1.96* SE
3,5

LFT [mm]
37.0 3,4
3,3
36.5
3,2
36.0 3,1
35.5 3,0
LFCU [mm]

2,9
35.0 M F
Gender
Mean
34.5 T-test: Mean±SE
34.0 t = –1.679; P = 0.095 Mean±1.96* SE
1.1
33.5

33.0 1.0
BFT [mm]

32.5

32.0 0.9

Right Left
0.8

Fig. 1. Comparison of m. flexor carpi ulnaris lengths of right

and left limbs and the t-test results 0.7
M Gender F

Mean Fig. 3. Comparison of free tendon length (LFT) and breadth

T-test: Mean±SE
(BFT) and the test results
t = –2.946; P = 0.004 Mean±1.96* SE
38 Mean
37 T-test: Mean±SE

36 t = –2.382; P = 0.018 Mean±1.96* SE

35 3.7
3.6
LFA [mm]

34
33 3.5
3.4
32
3.3
BFCU [mm]

31
3.2
30
3.1
29
3.0
28 2.9
M Gender F
2.8
2.7
Mean
M F
T-test: Mean±SE Gender Mean
t = –3.001; P = 0.003 Mean±1.96* SE T-test: Mean±SE
39 t = –2.978; P = 0.003 Mean±1.96* SE
38 36
37 35
36 34
LFCU [mm]

35 33
34 32
LBM [mm]

33 31
32 30
31 29
30 28
29 27
M F 26
Gender M F
Gender
Fig. 2. Comparison of forearm length (LFA) and m. flexor
Fig. 4. Comparison of FCU length (LFCU) and BM length
carpi ulnaris length (LFCU) and the test results
(LBM) and the test results
222 M. Ziajkiewicz, A. Kędzia, K. Dudek

Measured parameters growth rate in the analysed the case of the length LFCU: 9.1 mm/month and LFL: 8.7
period of foetal life was stable – linear sizes dependence mm/month. In turn, the slowest increase was observed
on v-tub length (age as well) has a linear character in the breadth BFT: 0.3 mm/month.
(Fig. 5). The most intensive increase was observed in

LFA = –1.57 + 0.218 * v-tub LFCU= –1.60 + 0.226 * v-tub

Correlation: r = 0,933 Correlation: r = 0.934

55 55
50 50
45 45

LFCU [mm]
40 40
35
LFA [mm]

35
30 30
25 25
20 20
15 15
10 10
80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240

v-tub [mm] 95% confidence

v-tub [mm] 95% confidence

LFT = 0.86 + 0.0164 * v-tub LBM = –2.67 + 0.211 * v-tub

Correlation: r = 0.487 Correlation: r = 0.924

12 50
10 45
40
8
35
LBM [mm]

6 30
LFT [mm]

25
4
20
2 15
0 10
80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240

v-tub [mm] 95% confidence

v-tub [mm]
95% confidence

BFT = –0.11 + 0.006 * v-tub B FCU = –0.82 + 0.025 * v-tub

Correlation: r = 0.799 Correlation: r = 0.891

2.2 6
2.0
1.8 5
1.6 4
BFCU [mm]
BFT [mm]

1.4
1.2 3
1.0
0.8 2
0.6 1
0.4
0.2 0
80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240

v-tub [mm] v-tub [mm]

95% confidence 95% confidence

Fig. 5. Correlation diagrams of forearm analysed sizes and v-tub length as well as linear correlation ratios
and regression models

Free tendon width-length ratio was stable and amounted 0.6% and free tendon length and FCU muscle total length
to 24.1%. FCU width-length ratio increases monthly by ratio decreases monthly by 0.6% on average (Fig. 7).
 Flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) muscle (m. flexor carpi ulnaris) in foetal period 223

B FT /L FT = 24.1%
100%
90%
80%
70%
BFT / LFT [mm]

60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240
v-tub [mm] 95% confidence

B FCU/L FCU = 7.2 + 0.01 * v-tub

Correlation: r = 0.312
16%
14%
BFCU / LFCU [mm]

12%
10%
8%
6%
4%
2%80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240
v-tub [mm] 95% confidence
Fig. 8. Classical type of flexor carpi ulnaris muscle.
Marked with white arrow
LFT /L FCU = 13.6 – 0.02 * v-tub
Correlation: r = –0.204
35% χ 2ν=2
30%
25%
LFT / LFCU [mm]

20% 80
15% 70
10% 60
50
5%
40
0%
80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240 30
v-tub [mm] 95% confidence
20
10
Fig. 6. Correlation diagrams of width-length ratios and v-tub
length and linear correlation factors and regression models 1

ANOVA: F = 37.23; P < 0.0001 Mean

Mean±1,96*SE Type 0 M.
Mean±SE

50% -1
F Gender
45%
40% Fig. 9. Number of FCU with relation to free tendon
BFT / LFT [mm]

35% structure type and foetus sex, Pearson chi-square test result
30%
25%
Conclusions
20%
15% 1) FCU muscle sizes symmetry was observed on the
10% left and right side.
–1 0 1
Type of tendon 2) No sexual dimorphism in FCU muscle structure was
ANOVA: F = 7.816; P = 0.0005
Mean
Mean±SE
Mean±1,96*SE observed.
12.0% 3) FCU sizes growth rate from 4th to 7th month of foetal
11.5% life is stable.
BFCU / LFCU [mm]

11.0% 4) Three types of free tendon structure can be distin-

10.5%
guished: short (!1), normal (0) and long (1) in re-
10.0%
lation to massive belly.
9.5%
9.0%
8.5% Discussion
8.0%
–1 0 1 In the period from 4th to 7th month of foetal life, flexor
Type of tendon carpi ulnaris muscle was characteristic for symmetry, lack
Fig. 7. Comparison of width-length ratios in subgroups with of sexual dimorphism and growth stable rate. Earlier own
free tendon different types, variation analysis result studies concentrated on flexor carpi radialis muscle and
224 M. Ziajkiewicz, A. Kędzia, K. Dudek
palmaris longus muscle [11-13]. Examination technique
was similar: preparational, anthropological, computer
measurements in Scion for Windows and Image J prog-
rammes. They were also carried on in the age period 4th
-7th month of foetal life on the same material. Similar sym-
metry was observed in FCR muscle (flexor carpi radialis
muscle). The growth rate of forearm length, tendon length,
whole muscle length and muscle breadth is bigger in 4th,
5th, 6th months and smaller in 7th month. The increase of
belly length and breadth has a linear character. Monthly
increases of belly indices are twice as big as those of the
tendon. In pronator teres muscle, no sexual dimorphism
or asymmetry were found except for ulnar head breadth.
The growth of all analysed features was of a linear chara-
cter. Brachial head breadth bigger growth was detected in
comparison with its length. Statistically significant asym-
metry of palmaris longus muscle length was found. Pal-
maris longus muscle of the right head is longer by 1 mm
though the same length of both limbs. Sexual dimorphism
was not observed [16]. Flexor carpi ulnaris muscle typo-
logy in authors' foetal surveys was similar to this descri-
bed by Greching et al. [5] who carried their studies on the
autopsical material of adult corpses. Friden et al. (2004)
[4] examined both muscles (flexor carpi radialis muscle
and flexor carpi ulnaris muscle) and they observed their
architecture, their fibres length in proximal and distal
segments. These examinations revealed the difference bet-
ween both muscles proximal and distal parts. Longer fib-
res were found in flexor carpi ulnaris muscle in proximal
segment and shorter fibres were detected in distal seg-
ment. Rare anomalies of flexor carpi ulnaris muscle were
described by Drago et al. (1979) [2] even with coexistent
lack of palmaris longus muscle. Jiang H., Chen G., Liu
A.T. (2006), Lim A.Y. et al. [16] described 2 independent
nervous-muscular compartments in the area of flexor carpi
radialis muscle along the whole muscle both in proximal
and distal segments. FCU muscle is used in orthopaedic di-
seases treatment – Meals RA [17], neurosurgical problems,
neurological lesions –Wolf T. et al. [22] and hand surgery.
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J Alicja Kędzia
Department of Normal Anatomy
Medical University of Wrocław
ul. Chałubińskiego 6a, 50-368 Wrocław, Poland