Abductor Pollicis Brevis

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Description[edit | edit source]

Abductor pollicis brevis muscle is the most lateral and superficial of the three muscles forming the thenar eminence.[1]

Origin[edit | edit source]

It takes its origin from the front of transverse carpal ligament, extending into the tubercles of scaphoid and trapezium with an occasional contribution from the tendon of abductor pollicis longus.[2]

Insertion[edit | edit source]

The muscle has a short tendon which attaches to the radial side of the base of the proximal phalanx of the thumb.[3]

Nerve[edit | edit source]

Median nerve C8, T1.[4]

Artery[edit | edit source]

Princeps pollicis artery.[4]

Function[edit | edit source]

It acts to abduct the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb.[5]

Clinical relevance[6][edit | edit source]

Assessment[edit | edit source]

The function can be tested by providing resistance to abduction up and away from the plane of the palm.[7]

[8]

Strength Tips[edit | edit source]

There are some useful exercises to strengthen the abductor pollicis brevis muscle which include many common techniques that you can do in your own home on your own time.

[9]


References[edit | edit source]

  1. Cael C. Functional anatomy. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins; 2011
  2. Palastanga N, Field D, Soames R. Anatomy and human movement. 4th ed. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann; 2002.
  3. Lippert L, Lippert L. Clinical kinesiology and anatomy. 4th ed. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis; 2006.
  4. 4.0 4.1 Tiwana MS, Sinkler MA, Bordoni B. Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Triceps Muscle. StatPearls [Internet]. 2020 May 30
  5. The Muscles of the Hand - Thenar - Hypothenar - TeachMeAnatomy [Internet]. Teachmeanatomy.info. 2020 [cited 21 September 2020]. Available from: https://teachmeanatomy.info/upper-limb/muscles/hand/?fbclid=IwAR12pBXShD88Na_jqJc6bSMhslR1-4F573kwF60ZHdV3C67U7380Itmqgxk#Lumbricals
  6. Harrison M. Common problems. Neurological Skills. 1987;:63-99.
  7. UC San Diego's Practical Guide to Clinical Medicine [Internet]. Meded.ucsd.edu. 2020 [cited 22 September 2020]. Available from: https://meded.ucsd.edu/clinicalmed/joints3.html
  8. MMT Abductor pollicis brevis & Adductor pollicis. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYLm6rL3v-I&feature=emb_logo [Last accessed 1/10/2020]
  9. Exercises to Strengthen the Abductor Pollicis Brevis Muscle : Sports Conditioning. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYsZLTrUT1I&feature=emb_logo [Last accessed 30/9/2020]