Flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle of Hand
What is Flexor digiti minimi brevis?
The hand has a short intrinsic muscle called the flexor digiti minimi brevis. Along with the abductor and opponens digiti minimi muscles, it is a member of the hypothenar muscles group. Hypothenar muscles are situated on the ulnar part of the hand where they structure a rise over the foundation of the little finger named the hypothenar prominence.
From the hook of the hamate bone and the flexor retinaculum, the flexor digiti minimi brevis extends to the base of the little finger’s proximal phalanx. The flexion of the little finger at the metacarpophalangeal joint is this muscle’s primary function.
Origin
The muscle arises from the hamate hook and the flexor retinaculum, also known as the transverse carpal ligament. This muscle connects the abductor digiti minimi laterally.
Insertion
The muscle originates from the hook of the hamate bone, which is a small bone located in the wrist. From there, the muscle runs along the palm of the hand and attaches to the base of the proximal phalanx (the bone closest to the palm) of the little finger.
In other words, the insertion of the Flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle is at the base of the proximal phalanx of the little finger.
Relations
Alongside the abductor digiti minimi and opponens digiti minimi muscles, the flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle makes the hypothenar eminence. It can be found on the palm’s ulnar side.
The muscle is between the adductor digiti minimi muscle and the opponens digiti minimi muscle, which is superior and medial. Deep branches of the ulnar artery and nerve pass through a gap formed by the proximal parts of the flexor digiti minimi brevis and abductor digiti minimi muscles.
Innervation
Similar to other hypothenar muscles, the flexor digiti minimi brevis is innervated by the deep branch of the ulnar nerve (root values C8 and T1).
Blood supply
The deep palmar branch of the ulnar artery supplies the flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle with blood.
Function
The flexion of the little finger at the metacarpophalangeal joint is the flexor digiti minimi brevis’s primary function. Additionally, this muscle is involved in the little finger’s lateral rotation and opposition.
Clinical relevance
When it travels between the hamate’s hook and the pisiform bone (Guyon’s canal), the ulnar nerve can become compressed. By exerting direct pressure on the Guyon Canal, cyclists, for example, run the risk of injuring the ulnar nerve. Damage to the ulnar nerve can cause atrophy, numbness, tingling, and discomfort in the hypothenar eminence as well as the fourth and fifth fingers. The ulnar nerve is impacted by this problem, which is like “carpal tunnel syndrome.”
Hypothenar eminence can be damaged if collateral blood flow is inadequate and the ulnar artery is compromised. This condition is known as the “hypothenar hammer syndrome.” This illness is more common in those who work with instruments that require precise grasping and repetitive pounding. The hypothenar eminence’s vascular blood supply will experience a rebound effect as a result of the firm grip and pounding of tools.
Flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle stretching
Finger flexion MCP
Bend the entire finger joint with your other hand by placing your thumb and finger above the injured finger’s bottom joint.
Flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle strengthening exercise
Isometric finger flexion MCP
Place one finger from the opposite hand above the injured finger’s bottom joint and try to hold the injured finger straight while applying downward pressure with the other finger.
FAQ
Is there a flexor digiti minimi longus hand?
A fifth-digit extra flexor, known as a flexor digiti minimi longus (FDML), has been documented in the past but only rarely. The ulnar tuberosity, the intracompartmental septum, or the palmaris longus tendon have all been suggested as the sources of abnormal FDML muscles.
Why does my hand hurt when I use my flexor digiti minimi brevis?
Repetitive activities like typing on a computer or playing the piano can cause injuries to the opponens digiti minimi. The most common sign of strain in this muscle is a pain in the fleshy cushion of the hand close to the little finger.
How can the flexor digiti minimi brevis be strengthened?
MCP finger flexion: With one hand, gently and gradually bend the entire finger joint while placing your thumb and finger above the injured finger’s bottom joint.
Where does the muscle call the flexor digiti minimi brevis insert?
The hamate bone’s hamulus and the flexor retinaculum’s palmar surface create the hand’s flexor digiti minimi brevis. Image response to frequently asked questions It is incorporated into the average size of the proximal phalanx of digit V’s foundation.
What layer of the foot is the flexor digiti minimi brevis found?
On the plantar surface of the foot, one of the deep third layers of muscles is the flexor digiti minimi brevis. The small toe’s metatarsophalangeal joint is flexed by its action. It comes from the peroneus longus tendon sheath and the base of the fifth metatarsal.
