Muscular branches of ulnar nerve

Muscular branches of ulnar nerve is a term in anatomy referring to the branches of the ulnar nerve that supply the muscles in the forearm and hand. The ulnar nerve is one of the three main nerves in the arm, and it travels from the shoulder to the hand. It provides sensation to the little finger and half of the ring finger, and it controls most of the small muscles in the hand that help with fine movements, as well as some of the bigger muscles in the forearm that help to make a strong grip.

Etymology

The term "ulnar" is derived from the Latin word "ulna," which means "elbow." The ulnar nerve is so named because it runs near the ulna bone in the forearm.

Anatomy

The ulnar nerve originates from the brachial plexus, a network of nerves in the neck and shoulder. It travels down the arm, passing through the cubital tunnel at the elbow and the Guyon's canal at the wrist, before branching out to supply various muscles.

The muscular branches of the ulnar nerve supply the following muscles:

• In the forearm: flexor carpi ulnaris and the ulnar half of flexor digitorum profundus
• In the hand: all the interossei, the third and fourth lumbricals, adductor pollicis, the deep head of flexor pollicis brevis, and the hypothenar muscles

Clinical significance

Damage to the ulnar nerve can cause a range of symptoms, depending on the location and severity of the injury. These may include weakness or paralysis of the muscles supplied by the nerve, numbness or tingling in the fingers, and pain in the forearm or hand. This condition is known as ulnar neuropathy.

See also

• Ulnar nerve
• Ulnar neuropathy
• Brachial plexus
• Cubital tunnel
• Guyon's canal