Hypothenar eminence

Dissection of the hand showing the hypothenar eminence.

The hypothenar eminence is a muscular prominence on the ulnar side of the palm of the hand. It is formed by three muscles that control the movement of the little finger. These muscles are the abductor digiti minimi, the flexor digiti minimi brevis, and the opponens digiti minimi.

Anatomy

The hypothenar eminence is located on the medial side of the palm, opposite the thenar eminence, which is on the lateral side. The muscles of the hypothenar eminence are innervated by the ulnar nerve.

Muscles

• Abductor digiti minimi: This muscle abducts the little finger away from the other fingers.
• Flexor digiti minimi brevis: This muscle flexes the little finger at the metacarpophalangeal joint.
• Opponens digiti minimi: This muscle allows the little finger to oppose the thumb, contributing to the grip.

Nerve Supply

The ulnar nerve provides the motor innervation to the muscles of the hypothenar eminence. It is responsible for the fine motor control of the little finger.

Function

The primary function of the hypothenar eminence is to facilitate the movement of the little finger. This includes abduction, flexion, and opposition, which are essential for grasping and manipulating objects. The hypothenar muscles work in coordination with the thenar eminence to perform complex hand movements.

Clinical Significance

Injury or compression of the ulnar nerve can lead to weakness or paralysis of the hypothenar muscles, affecting hand function. Conditions such as ulnar nerve entrapment or cubital tunnel syndrome can impact the hypothenar eminence.

Related Pages

• Thenar eminence
• Ulnar nerve
• Hand anatomy
• Muscles of the hand