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Flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle of hand

Attachments, innervation and functions of the intrinsic muscles of the hand.
Flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle (Musculus flexor digiti minimi brevis)

Flexor digiti minimi brevis is a short intrinsic muscle of the hand. It belongs to the group called hypothenar muscles, along with abductor digiti minimi and opponens digiti minimi muscles. Hypothenar muscles are located on the ulnar (medial) aspect of the hand where they form an elevation above the base of the little finger named the hypothenar eminence

Flexor digiti minimi brevis spreads from the hook of hamate bone and flexor retinaculum to the base of proximal phalanx of the little finger. The main function of this muscle is flexion of the little finger in metacarpophalangeal joint.

Key facts about the flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle
Origin Hook of hamate, flexor retinaculum
Insertion Base of proximal phalanx of digit 5
Action Metacarpophalangeal joint 5: Finger flexion (+ finger lateral rotation/opposition)
Innervation Deep branch of ulnar nerve (C8, T1)
Blood supply Deep palmar branch of ulnar artery

In this article, we will discuss the anatomy and function of the flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle.

Contents
  1. Origin and insertion
  2. Relations 
  3. Innervation
  4. Blood supply
  5. Function
  6. Sources
+ Show all

Origin and insertion

Flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle arises by a short tendon from the hook of hamate bone and medial aspect of flexor retinaculum. From here the muscle fibers run distally and medially, passing over the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint. The muscle inserts together with abductor digiti minimi onto the medial side of the base of proximal phalanx of the little finger.

Relations 

Flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle is located on the ulnar side of the palm, creating the hypothenar eminence with abductor digiti minimi and opponens digiti minimi muscles.

The muscle is situated inferior and lateral to adductor digiti minimi muscle and superior and medial to opponens digiti minimi muscle. The proximal parts of flexor digiti minimi brevis and abductor digiti minimi muscles form a gap through which deep branches of the ulnar artery and ulnar nerve pass. 

Innervation

The flexor digiti minimi brevis, like other hypothenar muscles, is innervated by the deep branch of the ulnar nerve (root value C8 and T1).

Blood supply

Flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle receives its blood supply from the deep palmar branch of ulnar artery. 

Function

The main function of the flexor digiti minimi brevis is flexion of the little finger at the metacarpophalangeal joint. Also, this muscle participates in lateral rotation and opposition of the little finger.

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