Hypothenar eminence
Eminentia hypothenaris
- Latin synonym: Hypothenar
Definition
The hypothenar eminence is the fleshy, muscular prominence on the ulnar (medial) side of the palm near the base of the little finger. This anatomical landmark is composed of three distinct muscles: abductor digiti minimi, flexor digiti minimi, and opponens digiti minimi.
All hypothenar muscles receive motor innervation from the deep branch of the ulnar nerve. This nerve enters the hand by passing through Guyon's canal (ulnar tunnel) at the wrist, then continues its course between and through the hypothenar muscle group to provide their nerv supply.
The hypothenar muscles and overlying skin receive their blood supply primarily from branches of the ulnar artery. Like the ulnar nerve, this artery also passes through Guyon's canal before distributing to the hypothenar region.
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/
Nguyen JD, Black AC, Duong H. Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Hand Hypothenar Eminence. [Updated 2023 Nov 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546622/
Medscape. (2023) Overview of Hand Anatomy. Available at: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1285060-overview (Accessed: 10 June 2025).
