Common palmar digital branches of ulnar nerve
Rami digitales palmares communes nervi ulnaris
- Latin synonym: Nervi digitales palmares mediales communes
- Synonym: Common medial palmar digital nerves
- Related terms: Common palmar digital nerves; Common palmar digital nerves (Ulnar nerve)
Definition
The common palmar digital branches of ulnar nerve are cutaneous branches that arise from the superficial branch of the ulnar nerve, a terminal branch of the ulnar nerve in the palm.
The superficial branch of the ulnar nerve emerges in the palm after the ulnar nerve crosses over the wrist. Once in the palm, the superficial branch gives rise to both muscular and cutaneous components. The common palmar digital branches are part of the cutaneous branches of the superficial ulnar nerve. These are also known as the lateral palmar digital nerve. The common palmar digital branch of ulanr nerve further divides into two proper palmar digital nerves. These branches innervate the adjoining skin of the ring and little fingers, specifically the lateral aspect of the little finger and the medial side of the ring finger.
The common palmar digital branch of ulnar nerve also gives off a communicating branch that connects to the median nerve in the palm, contributing to the intricate sensory neural network of the hand.
References
Gray, H. (2016). ‘Chapter 48: Shoulder girdle and arm’ in Gray’s anatomy the anatomical basis of clinical practice. (41st ed.) New York: Elsevier, pp. 832, 863-864.
Gray, H. (2016). ‘Chapter 50: Wrist and hand’ in Gray’s anatomy the anatomical basis of clinical practice. (41st ed.) New York: Elsevier, pp. 881-886, 893.
Becker RE, Manna B. Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Ulnar Nerve. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499892/
