Adductor Pollicis

Written by Dr Oliver Jones

Last updated November 6, 2025 •
6 Revisions •

Adductor Pollicis - Podcast Version

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The adductor pollicis is an intrinsic muscle of the hand. It is a triangular shape with two heads. The radial artery passes anteriorly through the space between the two heads to form the deep palmar arch.

  • Attachments:
    • One head originates from the third metacarpal.
    • The other head originates from the capitate and adjacent areas of second and third metacarpal.
    • Both heads attach onto the base of the proximal phalanx of the thumb.
  • Actions: Adduction of the thumb.
  • Innervation: Ulnar nerve.
  • Blood Supply: Deep palmar arch.
By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2025)
Illustration of the adductor pollicis muscle showing its two heads.

Fig 1
The adductor pollicis. Note the two heads of the muscle.

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