Washington Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What is the primary function of the flexor muscles?

1. Bend the wrist

2. Extend the fingers

3. Stabilize the shoulder

4. Rotate the forearm

The correct answer is: Bend the wrist

The primary function of the flexor muscles is to bend the wrist and fingers. These muscles are located in the forearm and are responsible for flexing the wrist joint and the joints of the fingers. When the flexor muscles contract, they pull on the tendons that attach to the bones of the wrist and fingers, causing them to curl or bend inward. This function is essential for numerous daily activities, such as grasping objects, writing, and performing intricate hand movements. The other options represent functions carried out by different muscle groups. Extending the fingers is the role of extensor muscles, while stabilizing the shoulder involves muscles that promote shoulder joint stability, such as the rotator cuff muscles. Rotating the forearm is achieved by pronator and supinator muscles, which are different from the flexors. Understanding these distinctions clarifies the critical role flexor muscles play in hand and wrist movements.