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AnatomyUpper limbWrist and handAbductor digiti minimi muscle of hand
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AnatomyUpper limbWrist and handAbductor digiti minimi muscle of hand

Abductor digiti minimi muscle of hand

Author: Gordana Sendić, MD • Reviewer: Francesca Salvador, MSc
Last reviewed: November 01, 2023
Reading time: 3 minutes

Recommended video: Hypothenar muscles [07:38]
Origins, insertions and innervation of the hypothenar muscles.
Abductor digiti minimi (Musculus abductor digiti minimi)

Abductor digiti minimi is a short intrinsic muscle of the hand. It belongs to the group of muscles collectively called hypothenar muscles due to their acting on the 5th finger. Besides abductor digiti minimi, other hypothenar muscles include flexor digiti minimi brevis and opponens digiti minimi.

The main function of abductor digiti minimi involves abduction of the 5th finger, as well as flexion of its proximal phalanx. Along with other hypothenar muscles, this muscle forms the hypothenar eminence on the medial side of the palm. 

This article will teach you all you need to know about the anatomy of abductor digiti minimi muscle, including its origin, insertion, neurovascular supply and function.

Key facts about the abductor digiti minimi
Origin Pisiform bone (Pisohamate ligament, Tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris)
Insertion Ulnar side of base of proximal phalanx of digit 5, Extensor expansion of digit 5
Action Metacarpophalangeal joint 5: Finger abduction and flexion; 
Interphalangeal joints: Finger extension
 
Innervation Deep branch of ulnar nerve (C8, T1)
Blood supply Palmar branch of ulnar artery, palmar digital artery, superficial palmar arch
Contents
  1. Origin and insertion
  2. Relations
  3. Innervation
  4. Blood supply
  5. Function
  6. Sources
+ Show all

Origin and insertion

Pisiform bone
Os pisiforme
1/5
Synonyms: none

Abductor digiti minimi mainly arises from the pisiform bone. Other sites of origin include pisohamate and pisometacarpal ligaments; these connect the pisiform bone to the hamate and metacarpal bones, respectively.

Some fibers also arise from the tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris that is also attached to the pisiform bone. 

The muscle fibers converge into a tendon and insert into the ulnar side of the proximal phalanx of the little finger and its extensor expansion.

The following quiz helps you improve your knowledge about the anatomy of the hand muscles.

Relations

Abductor digiti minimi is the most medial of the hypothenar muscles, situated along the ulnar border of the flexor digiti minimi brevis and superficial to opponens digiti minimi muscle.

Together, these three muscles form the hypothenar eminence.

Hypothenar region
Regio hypothenaris
1/6
Synonyms: hypothenar eminence, Eminatio hypotherais

Innervation

Like other hypothenar muscles, abductor digiti minimi receives nervous supply from the deep branch of the ulnar nerve, derived from root values C8 and T1.

Deep branch of ulnar nerve
Ramus profundus nervi ulnaris
1/3
Synonyms: none

Blood supply

Abductor digiti minimi receives arterial blood supply from the palmar branch of ulnar artery, palmar digital artery, as well as branches of the ulnar side of the superficial palmar arch. The venous blood from the muscle is drained via the venous networks of the palm into the deep veins of the arm (vv. ulnares).

Function

Main function of the abductor digiti minimi is abduction and flexion of the 5th finger at the metacarpophalangeal joint, and thereby moving it away from the 4th finger. At the interphalangeal joint, this muscle also aids the flexion of the 5th finger due to its attachment to its extensor expansion. The importance of abductor digiti minimi lies in the fact that it is crucial for grasping large objects with outspread fingers, such as a basketball.

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.

References:

  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Palastanga, N., & Soames, R. (2012). Anatomy and human movement: structure and function (6th ed.). Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone
  • Singh, V. (2010). Anatomy of Upper Limb and Thorax; London: Elsevier Health Sciences.

Illustrations:

  • Abductor digiti minimi (Musculus abductor digiti minimi) - Yousun Koh

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