In the hook grip, which muscle is primarily responsible for finger flexion?

In the hook grip, which muscle is primarily responsible for finger flexion?

• A. Flexor digitorum superficialis
• B. Extensor digitorum
• C. Flexor digitorum profundus
• D. Flexor pollicis longus

Answer: (C)

In a hook grip, the goal is to wrap the fingers tightly around an object, which requires curling the fingertips. The primary mover for this curling is the flexor digitorum profundus, which flexes the distal interphalangeal joints of the index through little fingers. This action pulls on the distal phalanges, letting you grip securely around the bar. The superficial flexor (flexor digitorum superficialis) mainly flexes the proximal interphalangeal joints and contributes to grip, but the critical distal flexion needed for a tight hook comes from the profundus. The extensor digitorum extends the fingers, and the flexor pollicis longus operates on the thumb, not the other fingers, so they aren’t the primary flexors in this context. Hence, flexor digitorum profundus is the best answer.

In a hook grip, the goal is to wrap the fingers tightly around an object, which requires curling the fingertips. The primary mover for this curling is the flexor digitorum profundus, which flexes the distal interphalangeal joints of the index through little fingers. This action pulls on the distal phalanges, letting you grip securely around the bar. The superficial flexor (flexor digitorum superficialis) mainly flexes the proximal interphalangeal joints and contributes to grip, but the critical distal flexion needed for a tight hook comes from the profundus. The extensor digitorum extends the fingers, and the flexor pollicis longus operates on the thumb, not the other fingers, so they aren’t the primary flexors in this context. Hence, flexor digitorum profundus is the best answer.