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Adductor Pollicis Muscle Anatomy

The adductor pollicis is located in the adductor compartment of the hand. The fan-shaped muscle has two heads of origin, which are separated by the radial artery as it enters the palm to form the deep palmar arch. Its tendon usually contains a sesamoid bone. The adductor pollicis adducts the thumb, moving the thumb to the palm of the hand, thereby giving power to the grip.

Adductor Pollicis Muscle Anatomy

The adductor pollicis muscle is a unique muscle, in that it is triangular shaped with a 2-headed structure:

  • The oblique head originates at the capitate as well as at the bases of the 2nd and 3rd metacarpals,
  • The transverse head originates from the volar aspect of the 3rd metacarpal.
See Also: Hand Anatomy, Bones & Muscles

These two heads then merge as the fibers travel laterally, forming the tendon of the adductor pollicis which often contains a sesamoid bone. The tendon then inserts on the medial aspect of the proximal phalanx of the thumb as well as the extensor hood.

Adductor Pollicis muscle anatomy

It is innervated by the deep branch of the ulnar nerve (C8-T1) which ends in this muscle. it gets its blood supply from the deep palmar arterial arch.

The main function of the adductor pollicis is to adduct the thumb. Adduction means to bringing the thumb into a position of opposition at the center of the palm. Additionally, the adductor pollicis can bring the thumb alongside the palm and index finger.

OriginOblique head: Bases of 2nd and 3rd metacarpals, Capitate and Adjacent carpals;
Transverse head: anterior surface of body of 3rd metacarpal
InsertionMedial side of base of proximal phalanx of thumb
InnervationDeep branch of ulnar nerve (C8 and T1)
Blood SupplyDeep palmar arterial arch
ActionDraws 1st metacarpal laterally to oppose thumb toward center of palm and rotates it medially

Froment’s sign is used to test the strength of the adductor pollicis muscle of the thumb (innervated by the ulnar nerve).

References & More

  1. Cael, C. (2010). Functional anatomy: Musculoskeletal anatomy, kinesiology, and palpation for manual therapists. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.
  2. Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  3. Clinically Oriented Anatomy – 8th Edition
  4. Acosta JR, Graefe SB, Varacallo M. Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Hand Adductor Pollicis. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: Pubmed
  5. Van Sint Jan S, Rooze M. Anatomical variations of the intrinsic muscles of the thumb. Anat Rec. 1994 Jan;238(1):131-46. PubMed
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