Anatomy
Origin:
Tubercles of scaphoid and trapezium and adjacent flexor retinaculum.
Insertion:
Proximal phalanx and extensor apparatus of the thumb.
Key Relations:
Is one of the muscles of the thenar eminence of the hand.
Functions
-Abduction of the thumb at the carpopmetacarpol and metacarpophalangeal joints.
-Also assists in thumb opposition and extension.
Supply
Nerve Supply:
Recurrent branch of median nerve (C8, T1).
Blood Supply:
Superficial palmar branch of radial artery.
Clinical
Most important median nerve innervated muscle in the thenar eminence. Loss of the muscle (from median nerve injury) results in loss of opposition and consequently loss of grip strength.
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