Palmaris Brevis Muscle Anatomy

The palmaris brevis is a small, thin muscle in the subcutaneous tissue of the hypothenar eminence. It is not in the hypothenar compartment. It has been described as the most mysterious muscle from a functional and developmental perspective

The palmaris brevis wrinkles the skin of the hypothenar eminence and deepens the hollow of the palm, thereby aiding the palmar grip. It covers and protects the ulnar nerve and artery. It is attached proximally to the medial border of the palmar aponeurosis and to the skin on the medial border of the hand.

Palmaris Brevis Muscle Anatomy

Palmaris Brevis Muscle originates from the transverse carpal ligament and palmar aponeurosis and inserts onto the skin of the medial border of the hand.

This muscle is innervated by the superficial branch of the ulnar nerve (C8, T1), and gets its blood supply from the superficial palmar arch of the ulnar artery.

Palmaris brevis forms the roof of Guyon’s canal on the ulnar side of the palm through which the ulnar artery and nerve travel into the palmar hand.

Palmaris Brevis Muscle wrinkles the hypothenar skin and deepens the palmar fossa while holding a grip preventing the displacement of the hypothenar fat pad during grasping. It also protects the neurovasculature of the ulnar canal.

See Also: Hand Anatomy, Bones & Muscles

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. Moore CW, Rice CL. Structural and functional anatomy of the palmaris brevis: grasping for answers. J Anat. 2017 Dec;231(6):939-946. doi: 10.1111/joa.12675. Epub 2017 Aug 8. PMID: 28786108; PMCID: PMC5696130. Pubmed