What is the primary action of the flexor carpi ulnaris?

The primary action of the flexor carpi ulnaris is to flex and adduct the wrist. This muscle is located on the anterior aspect of the forearm and plays a critical role in wrist movements. When it contracts, it primarily causes the wrist to flex, which means it decreases the angle between the forearm and the hand. Additionally, the adduction action refers to the movement of the wrist towards the body's midline, which is facilitated by the flexor carpi ulnaris as it works synergistically with other muscles to stabilize and control wrist movement. Understanding the specific role of this muscle is crucial for grasp and gripping activities, as well as for overall wrist function.