The abductor digiti minimi is the most superficial muscle of the hypothenar eminence in the hand. It originates from the pisiform bone and related structures, inserting onto the base of the little finger's proximal phalanx. Innervated by the ulnar nerve and supplied by the ulnar artery, its primary action is to abduct the little finger at the metacarpophalangeal joint.
The Abductor digiti minimi is the most superficial of the three muscles forming the hypothenar eminence. The abductor digiti minimi abducts the 5th finger and helps flex its proximal phalanx.
The hypothenar muscles (abductor digiti minimi, flexor digiti minimi brevis, and opponens digiti minimi) produce the hypothenar eminence on the medial side of the palm and move the little finger.
Abductor Digiti Minimi Muscle Anatomy
The Abductor digiti minimi muscle originates from the pisiform, tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris and pisohamate ligamen, and inserts onto the ulnar side of base of 5th proximal phalanx.
It’s innervaed by the ulnar nerve (C8, T1) through the deep branch, and supplied by the ulnar artery.
Its action is to abucts the 5th finger at the metacarpophalangeal joint.
See Also: Hand Anatomy, Bones & Muscles
| Origin | Pisiform, tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris and pisohamate ligamen |
| Insertion | Medial side of base of proximal phalanx of little finger |
| Innervation | Deep branch of ulnar nerve (C8 and T1) |
| Blood Supply | Ulnar artery |
| Action | Abducts little (5th) finger at the MCP joint |
References & More
- Cael, C. (2010). Functional anatomy: Musculoskeletal anatomy, kinesiology, and palpation for manual therapists. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.
- Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
- Physiopedia – Abductor Digiti Minimi
