Flexor digiti minimi of hand
Flexor digiti minimi manus
- Latin synonym: Musculus flexor digiti minimi brevis manus
- Synonym: Flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle of hand
- Related terms: Flexor digiti minimi brevis
Definition
Flexor digiti minimi of hand | |||
Origin | Hammate, flexor retinaculum | ||
Insertion | Base of the proximal phalanx of the fifth digit (ulnar side), extensor expansion. | ||
Innervation | Deep branch of the ulnar nerve | ||
Artery | Ulnar artery | ||
Action | Flexes the little finger | ||
Antagonist | Extensor digiti minimi muscle | ||
Origin
The flexor digiti minimi of hand, more precisely termed the flexor digiti minimi brevis, is a key muscle of the hypothenar eminence in the hand. It typically originates from the hook of the hamate and the flexor retinaculum.
Insertion
The muscle extends distally along the hand to insert onto the ulnar side of the base of the proximal phalanx of the fifth digit (little finger).
Innervation
The innervation is by the deep branch of the ulnar nerve.
Actions
The function of the flexor digiti minimi brevis is to flex the little finger at the metacarpophalangeal joint.
References
Okwumabua E, Sinkler MA, Bordoni B. Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Hand Muscles. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537229/
Loss J, Li ZM. Biometry of thenar muscle origins on the flexor retinaculum. Clin Anat. 2020 Nov;33(8):1176-1180.
