Musculus abductor pollicis

Musculus abductor pollicis is a muscle in the human body that is part of the anatomy of the hand. It is one of the muscles that controls the movement of the thumb, specifically its abduction. The muscle is located in the thenar eminence, the fleshy mass at the base of the thumb, and is one of three thenar muscles.

Structure

The musculus abductor pollicis is a short muscle that originates from the scaphoid bone and the trapezium bone, two of the carpal bones in the wrist. It inserts into the base of the first metacarpal bone and the sesamoid bone of the thumb.

Function

The primary function of the musculus abductor pollicis is to abduct the thumb, moving it away from the palm of the hand. This movement is essential for the thumb's ability to oppose the other fingers, a unique feature of human hand function that allows for precise manipulation of objects.

Clinical significance

Damage to the musculus abductor pollicis can result in a loss of thumb abduction, which can significantly impair hand function. This can occur as a result of injury, such as a fracture of the scaphoid or trapezium bones, or due to conditions that affect the nerves supplying the muscle, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

See also

• Muscles of the hand
• Thenar eminence
• Carpal bones
• Carpal tunnel syndrome