Ball of the thumb
The ball of the thumb is the fleshy, muscular area on the palm side of the hand at the base of the thumb. It is primarily composed of the thenar eminence, which is a group of muscles that control the fine movements of the thumb.
Anatomy[edit | edit source]
The ball of the thumb is made up of the following muscles:
These muscles are innervated by the median nerve and receive blood supply from the radial artery.
Function[edit | edit source]
The muscles in the ball of the thumb are responsible for the opposition of the thumb, which is the ability to touch the thumb to the other fingers. This function is crucial for grip and dexterity in the hand.
Clinical significance[edit | edit source]
Injury or conditions affecting the ball of the thumb can lead to decreased hand function. Common conditions include:
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD