Tendon of flexor pollicis brevis

Tendo flexoris brevis pollicis

Definition

Muhammad A. Javaid

The tendon of flexor pollicis brevis is formed by the convergence of the muscle's superficial and deep heads. This common, short tendon inserts onto the radial side of the base of the first (proximal) phalanx of the thumb. Characteristically, a sesamoid bone is embedded within this insertion tendon, acting as a fulcrum to enhance the muscle's mechanical advantage during thumb flexion.

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.