The extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle aids in moving the hand. Specifically, it abducts and extends the hand at the wrist joint. The muscle works in concert with the extensor carpi radialis longus, which is situated nearby. However, the extensor carpi radialis brevis is much shorter and thicker than its longus counterpart. The muscle originates along the lateral supracondylar ridge, which is a narrow, raised region of the humerus. It inserts into the third metacarpal of the hand. Within the palm this is the bone connected to the phalanges of the index finger. The radial artery delivers oxygenated blood to the muscle. It is innervated by the radial nerve. The radial vein assists in draining oxygen-depleted blood away from the muscle. The muscle can be exercised through standard forearm conditioning. This includes motions that resist the muscle’s full extension. Typically, such strength training involves hand weights and reverse wrist curling. This is also effective for all the other extensor muscles in the forearm.