Opponens digiti minimi muscle of hand

File:1121 Intrinsic Muscles of the Hand Deep LD.png

1121 Intrinsic Muscles of the Hand Deep LD

The opponens digiti minimi muscle is one of the intrinsic muscles of the hand. It is located in the hypothenar eminence, which is the muscular prominence on the medial side of the palm.

Anatomy

The opponens digiti minimi muscle originates from the hook of the hamate bone and the flexor retinaculum of the hand. It inserts into the medial border of the fifth metacarpal bone.

Innervation

The muscle is innervated by the deep branch of the ulnar nerve.

Blood Supply

The blood supply to the opponens digiti minimi muscle is provided by the ulnar artery.

Function

The primary function of the opponens digiti minimi muscle is to oppose the fifth digit (little finger) towards the thumb, which is essential for grasping objects.

Clinical Significance

Injury or damage to the ulnar nerve can impair the function of the opponens digiti minimi muscle, leading to difficulties in performing tasks that require fine motor skills.

See Also

• Hypothenar muscles
• Flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle
• Abductor digiti minimi muscle of hand
• Ulnar nerve
• Hand anatomy