Which muscle extends and adducts the wrist?

• A. Extensor Carpi Ulnaris
• B. Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus
• C. Extensor Digitorum
• D. Flexor Carpi Ulnaris

Answer: (A)

Extending the wrist while pulling the hand toward the pinky side is done by a muscle on the back of the forearm that reaches the base of the fifth metacarpal. Extensor carpi ulnaris performs both actions: it extends the wrist and adducts it (ulnar deviation), especially when the wrist is in extension. This combination matches the described movement.

The other muscles either don’t extend and adduct together or don’t extend at all. Extensor carpi radialis longus extends the wrist but tends to abduct (radial deviation) rather than adduct. Extensor digitorum extends the fingers and assists with wrist extension but not adduction. Flexor carpi ulnaris adducts the wrist when flexed but is a flexor, not an extensor, so it doesn’t fit the action described.