Thenar

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Thenar refers to the group of muscles on the palm of the human hand at the base of the thumb. The thenar eminence refers to the rounded contour of the palm, which is formed by the underlying thenar muscles. These muscles are responsible for the thumb's ability to oppose the other fingers of the hand.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The thenar muscles include the Abductor pollicis brevis, Flexor pollicis brevis, Opponens pollicis, and Adductor pollicis. These muscles are primarily responsible for the movements of the thumb. They are innervated by the Median nerve, except for the adductor pollicis, which is innervated by the Ulnar nerve.

Abductor Pollicis Brevis[edit | edit source]

The Abductor pollicis brevis is a muscle in the hand that functions to abduct the thumb. It originates from the Scaphoid bone and Trapezium bone, and inserts into the base of the proximal phalanx of the thumb.

Flexor Pollicis Brevis[edit | edit source]

The Flexor pollicis brevis is a muscle in the hand that flexes the thumb. It originates from the Trapezium bone and the flexor retinaculum, and inserts into the base of the proximal phalanx of the thumb.

Opponens Pollicis[edit | edit source]

The Opponens pollicis is a small, triangular muscle in the hand, which functions to oppose the thumb. It originates from the Trapezium bone and the flexor retinaculum, and inserts into the radial side of the first metacarpal bone.

Adductor Pollicis[edit | edit source]

The Adductor pollicis is a large, triangular muscle, which is located deep within the thenar eminence. It is responsible for adducting the thumb. It originates from the transverse head and the oblique head, and inserts into the ulnar side of the base of the proximal phalanx of the thumb.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Damage to the thenar muscles can result in a loss of thumb movement and dexterity. Conditions such as Carpal tunnel syndrome and Guyon's canal syndrome can affect the thenar muscles.

Thenar Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD