Flexor Pollicis Brevis

Written by Oliver Jones

Last updated October 12, 2022 • 3 Revisions

The flexor pollicis brevis is a thenar muscle located within the hand. It forms the medial aspect of the thenar eminence and is described as having a superficial and deep part (although the deep component is variable in size).

  • Attachments: Originates from the tubercle of the trapezium and from the associated flexor retinaculum. Attaches to the base of the proximal phalanx of the thumb.
  • Actions: Flexes the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb.
  • Innervation: Median nerve (recurrent branch). The deep head is innervated by the deep branch of the ulnar nerve.
  • Blood supply: Superficial palmar arch

Figure 1
Palmar view of the thenar muscles.

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