Interosseous muscles of the hand

Interosseous muscles of the hand

The Interosseous muscles of the hand are a group of small muscles located in the hand. They are responsible for the movement of the fingers and are categorized into two groups: the dorsal interosseous muscles and the palmar interosseous muscles.

Structure

Dorsal Interosseous Muscles

The dorsal interosseous muscles are four in number and are situated on the back of the hand. They originate from the adjacent sides of the metacarpal bones and insert into the bases of the proximal phalanges and the extensor expansions.

Palmar Interosseous Muscles

The palmar interosseous muscles are three in number and are located on the palm side of the hand. They originate from the metacarpal bones and insert into the bases of the proximal phalanges and the extensor expansions.

Function

The interosseous muscles of the hand are responsible for the abduction and adduction of the fingers. The dorsal interosseous muscles abduct the fingers away from the middle finger, while the palmar interosseous muscles adduct the fingers towards the middle finger.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities or injuries to the interosseous muscles can lead to a loss of finger dexterity and grip strength. Conditions such as Dupuytren's contracture and carpal tunnel syndrome can affect these muscles.

See Also

• Hand anatomy
• Muscles of the upper limb