Muscle
Abductor digiti minimi (hand)
Moves the little finger away from the others
High-yield
Little-finger abduction depends on this hypothenar muscle and its deep ulnar nerve supply.
Overview
Along the little-finger edge of the palm, this muscle forms part of the hypothenar pad. It pulls the fifth finger outward, helping widen the hand's grasp.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Pisiform, with attachment to the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon
- Insertion
- Ulnar side of the fifth proximal phalanx at its base
- Action
- Moves the fifth finger away from the ring finger
- Innervation
- Deep ulnar nerve branch, mainly C8–T1
- Blood supply
- Muscular branches of the ulnar artery
Clinical correlation
Damage to the ulnar nerve can weaken little-finger movements and reduce the bulk of the hypothenar muscles. The pattern depends on where and how severely the nerve is affected.
Frequently asked questions
What does the abductor digiti minimi (hand) do?
The abductor digiti minimi (hand) moves the fifth finger away from the ring finger.
What nerve innervates the abductor digiti minimi (hand)?
Deep ulnar nerve branch, mainly C8–T1.
Where does the abductor digiti minimi (hand) attach?
The abductor digiti minimi (hand) originates from the pisiform, with attachment to the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon and inserts on the ulnar side of the fifth proximal phalanx at its base.
What is the blood supply of the abductor digiti minimi (hand)?
The abductor digiti minimi (hand) is supplied by the muscular branches of the ulnar artery.