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Palmar Interossei (Hand)
The palmar interossei are intrinsic muscles of the hand. There are three palmar interossei muscles (although some texts describe a fourth muscle at the base of the proximal phalanx of the thumb). Attachments: Each interossei originates from a medial or lateral surface of a metacarpal, and attaches into the extensor hood and proximal phalanx of same […]
Dorsal Interossei (Hand)
The dorsal interossei are intrinsic muscles of the hand. They are located superficially on the dorsum of the hand, and can be palpated between the metacarpal heads. Attachments: Each interossei originates from the lateral and medial surfaces of the metacarpals. They attach into the extensor hood and proximal phalanx of each finger. Actions: Abduction of […]
Lumbricals (Hand)
The lumbricals are intrinsic muscles of the hand. There are four lumbricals – each associated with a digit. Attachments: Originates from the tendon of the flexor digitorum profundus. Inserts onto the radial aspect of the extensor hood of each digit. Actions: Flexion at the metacarpophalangeal joint and extension at the interphalangeal (IP) joints. Innervation: Lateral […]
Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (Hand)
The flexor digiti minimi brevis is a hypothenar muscle located within the hand. It is located lateral to the abductor digiti minimi brevis. Attachments: Originates from the hook of hamate and adjacent flexor retinaculum. Inserts onto the base of the proximal phalanx of the little finger. Actions: Flexion at the metacarpophalangeal joint joint of the […]
Abductor Digiti Minimi (Hand)
The abductor digiti minimi is a hypothenar muscle located within the hand. It is the most superficial of the hypothenar muscles. Attachments: Originates from the pisiform and the tendon of the flexor carpi ulnaris. Attaches to the base of the proximal phalanx of the little finger. Actions: Abduction of the little finger Innervation: Ulnar nerve. […]
The Flexor Pulley System of the Hand
The flexor pulley system of the hand is a complex structure that co-ordinates flexion of the digits. It consists of: Long flexor tendons – and their associated synovial sheaths. Annular pulleys – 5 associated with each finger, 2 associated with the thumb. Cruciate pulleys – 3 associated with each finger. Oblique pulley – 1 associated […]
Muscles of the Hand
The muscles that act on the hand can be divided into two groups: Extrinsic muscles – located in the anterior and posterior compartments of the forearm. They control crude movements and produce a forceful grip. Intrinsic muscles – located within the hand itself. They are responsible for the fine motor functions of the hand. In this […]
Bones of the Hand: Carpals, Metacarpals and Phalanges
The bones of the hand provide support and flexibility to the soft tissues. They can be divided into three categories: Carpal bones (Proximal) – A set of eight irregularly shaped bones. These are located in the wrist area. Metacarpals – There are five metacarpals, each one related to a digit Phalanges (Distal) – The bones […]
The Proximal Interphalangeal Joint
The proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) refers to the articulation between the proximal and middle phalanx in the hand. It is present in all digits except the thumb. It is a synovial hinge joint which permits flexion and extension in center of the fingers, contributing to fine motor control. In this article, we shall look at […]
The Metacarpophalangeal Joint
The metacarpophalangeal joint is an articulation between the metacarpal head and the base of the proximal phalanx. There are five joints located in each hand – one for each digit. In this article, we shall look at the anatomy of the metacarpophalangeal joint – its articulating surfaces, ligaments and clinical correlations. Anatomical Structure The metacarpophalangeal […]