Pollicis brevis muscle

Pollicis Brevis Muscle

The Pollicis Brevis Muscle (shown in red) in the human hand.

The Pollicis Brevis Muscle is a muscle in the human hand that controls the movement of the thumb. It is one of the three thenar muscles, and its primary function is to facilitate the flexion and abduction of the thumb at the carpometacarpal joint.

Anatomy

The Pollicis Brevis Muscle originates from the flexor retinaculum of the hand and the tubercle of the trapezium bone. It is divided into a superficial part and a deep part, both of which insert into the base of the proximal phalanx of the thumb.

Bones of the left hand. Volar surface.

Function

The Pollicis Brevis Muscle, along with the other thenar muscles, plays a crucial role in thumb movement. It allows for the thumb to flex and abduct, which is essential for gripping and manipulating objects.

Clinical Significance

Damage or injury to the Pollicis Brevis Muscle can result in a loss of thumb mobility, affecting a person's ability to grip or manipulate objects. Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome can also affect the function of this muscle.

See Also

• Thenar eminence
• Flexor pollicis brevis muscle
• Abductor pollicis brevis muscle
• Opponens pollicis muscle