Audio LecturePro Feature Opponens Pollicis 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x The opponens pollicis is a thenar muscle located within the hand. It is the largest of the thenar muscles, and is located underneath the flexor pollcis brevis and abductor pollicis brevis. Attachments: Originates from the tubercle of the trapezium and the associated flexor retinaculum. Inserts onto the lateral margin of the first metacarpal. Actions: Opposition of the thumb Innervation: Median nerve (recurrent branch) Blood supply: Superficial palmar arch By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Figure 1Palmar view of the thenar muscles. 3D ModelPro Feature You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our 3D Model Library Explore, cut, dissect, annotate and manipulate our 3D models to visualise anatomy in a dynamic, interactive way. Learn More Dissection AtlasPro Feature The recurrent branch of the median nerve arises in the hand to innervate the thenar muscles. The overlying abductor pollicis brevis muscle has been removed in this dissection. The recurrent branch of the median nerve arises in the hand to innervate the thenar muscles. The overlying abductor pollicis brevis muscle has been removed in this dissection. You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our Dissection Image Library Enhance your understanding with high-resolution dissection images showcasing real-life anatomy. Learn More In gratitude to our body donorsLearn more In gratitude to our body donors We are deeply grateful to the individuals who chose to donate their bodies for the advancement of medical education. Their generosity makes these images possible and provides students and healthcare professionals with an invaluable opportunity to study human anatomy. We recognise the profound contribution made by each donor and their families, and we use these images with the dignity and respect their gift deserves. Acknowledge Frequent questions What is the opponens pollicis muscle? The opponens pollicis is a prominent thenar muscle in the hand responsible for the opposition of the thumb. It is the largest muscle in the thenar group and is situated beneath the flexor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis brevis. Where does the opponens pollicis muscle originate and insert? The opponens pollicis originates from the tubercle of the trapezium bone and the associated flexor retinaculum. It inserts onto the lateral margin of the first metacarpal. What is the primary action of the opponens pollicis? The primary action of the opponens pollicis is the opposition of the thumb, which allows for grasping and pinching movements. This function is essential for the hand's dexterity. Which nerve innervates the opponens pollicis muscle? The opponens pollicis is innervated by the median nerve, specifically through its recurrent branch. This innervation is crucial for the muscle's function in thumb opposition. How does the blood supply reach the opponens pollicis? The blood supply to the opponens pollicis comes from the superficial palmar arch. This vascularisation ensures that the muscle receives adequate nutrients and oxygen for its activity. Rate This Article