Tendon of adductor pollicis - MRI thumb - Axial PD FS - e-Anatomy
View the module

Tendon of adductor pollicis

Tendo adductoris pollicis

Definition

Muhammad A. Javaid

The fibres of the oblique and transverse heads unite to form a common tendon of adductor pollicis muscle, that inserts onto the:

  • Medial side (ulnar side) of the base of the proximal phalanx of the thumb, and

  • Ulnar sesamoid bone associated with the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the thumb.

A fibrous expansion from the tendon of adductor pollicis also blends with the dorsal digital expansion of the thumb.

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.

Gallery