Connection lost. Please refresh the page.
Online
Get help How to study Login Register
Ready to learn?
Pick your favorite study tool

Hypothenar muscles

Recommended video: Hypothenar muscles [07:38]
Origins, insertions and innervation of the hypothenar muscles.
Hypothenar muscles

The hypothenar muscles are the three short muscles of the medial (ulnar) palmar compartment of the hand. From superficial to deep, the hypothenar muscles are: abductor digiti minimi, flexor digiti minimi, and opponens digiti minimi muscles. A fourth muscle, the palmaris brevis is also located in this region, however it does not belong to the hypothenar muscle group, but is typically classified on it's own as an outstanding superficial muscle of this region.

All four of these muscles are intrinsic muscles of the hand located within the medial side of the palm. They span between the medial aspect of the carpus to the carpal and metacarpal bones of the little finger. These muscles form a noticeable fleshy prominence on the medial side of the palm called the hypothenar eminence.

All of the hypothenar eminence muscles, except for palmaris brevis, are innervated by the deep branch of ulnar nerve (C8, T1). However, the palmaris brevis muscle is supplied by the superficial branch of ulnar nerve (C8, T1). The blood supply for the hypothenar eminence comes mainly from the ulnar artery via the superficial palmar arch. The function of these muscles is to contribute to the variety of movements of the little finger; flexion, abduction, lateral rotation, and opposition.

This article will introduce you to the anatomy and function of the hypothenar muscles.

Key facts about the hypothenar muscles
Definition and function Intrinsic muscles of the hand that comprise the hypothenar eminence of the palm and produce movements on the joints of the little finger.
Muscles Abductor digiti minimi, flexor digiti minimi, opponens digiti minimi (+palmaris brevis)
Innervation Ulnar nerve (C8, T1)
Blood supply Ulnar artery via the superficial palmar arch
Function Flexion, abduction, lateral rotation, and opposition of the little finger
Contents
  1. Abductor digiti minimi muscle
  2. Flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle
  3. Opponens digiti minimi muscle
  4. Palmaris brevis muscle
  5. Clinical aspects
  6. Sources
+ Show all

Abductor digiti minimi muscle

The abductor digiti minimi muscle of the hand is a short muscle that originates from the palmar surface of the pisiform bone and the dorsal aponeurosis. It courses along the ulnar side of the metacarpal bone 5 and inserts to the ulnar aspect of the base of the proximal phalanx of the 5th digit, as well as to the extensor expansion of the 5th digit. 

The abductor digiti minimi muscle is innervated by the deep branch of ulnar nerve (C8, T1). The function of the abductor digiti minimi muscle is to flex and abduct the fifth digit at its metacarpophalangeal joint, as well as to flex it at its interphalangeal joint.

Start with the hypothenar muscles anatomy by exploring our videos, quizzes, labeled diagrams and articles.

Flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle

The flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle of the hand originates from the hook of hamate bone and medial aspect of flexor retinaculum. It crosses the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint and, together with abductor digiti minimi, it inserts to the medial side of the base of proximal phalanx of the little finger. 

The muscle shares the same innervation as the abductor digiti minimi, i.e. the deep branch of ulnar nerve (C8, T1). The function of the flexor digiti minimi muscle is to flex the fifth digit on the metacarpophalangeal joint, as well as to participate in the lateral rotation and opposition of the little finger.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Learn the attachments, innervations and functions of the hypothenar muscles faster and easier with our upper extremity muscle charts!

Flexor digiti minimi brevis anatomy is waiting for you here.

Opponens digiti minimi muscle

The opponens digiti minimi muscle lies deep to abductor and flexor digiti minimi muscles. It originates from the hook of hamate bone and flexor retinaculum. After a short oblique course, the muscle inserts to the ulnar side of the metacarpal bone 5. 

Just like the abductor and flexor digiti minimi, the opponens digiti minimi muscle is innervated by the deep branch of ulnar nerve. Its function is to flex the fifth digit on the metacarpophalangeal joint 5, as well as to laterally rotate and oppose the fifth digit. 

Learn more about the opponens digiti minimi muscle here! 

Palmaris brevis muscle

The palmaris brevis muscle is found in the subcutaneous tissue of the hypothenar region. It originates from the palmar aponeurosis and flexor retinaculum, passes nearly horizontally and inserts to the dermis of the hypothenar skin.

Unlike the rest of the muscles of the hypothenar eminence, the palmaris brevis is innervated by the superficial branch of the ulnar nerve (C8, T1). The function of the palmaris brevis muscle is to tighten the palmar aponeurosis and to contribute to the strength of the grip. Since this muscle doesn't primarily act on the fifth digit, it is sometimes considered separate to hypothenar muscle group.

Are you here rather to solidify and test your knowledge on the hand muscles? Try out our quiz! 

Hypothenar muscles: want to learn more about it?

Our engaging videos, interactive quizzes, in-depth articles and HD atlas are here to get you top results faster.

What do you prefer to learn with?

“I would honestly say that Kenhub cut my study time in half.” – Read more.

Kim Bengochea Kim Bengochea, Regis University, Denver
© Unless stated otherwise, all content, including illustrations are exclusive property of Kenhub GmbH, and are protected by German and international copyright laws. All rights reserved.

Register now and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide!