Muscle
Opponens pollicis
Thenar — opposes the thumb
High-yield
Opposes the thumb (rotates 1st metacarpal); key for pinch grip. Recurrent branch of median nerve.
Overview
The deep thenar muscle that rotates the thumb metacarpal into opposition, essential for grip and pinch. Recurrent median branch.
Reference facts
- Origin
Flexor retinaculum and tubercle of the trapezium
- Insertion
Lateral border of the 1st metacarpal
- Action
Opposes the thumb — draws the 1st metacarpal medially and rotates it toward the palm
- Innervation
Recurrent branch of the median nerve (C8, T1)
- Blood supply
Superficial palmar branch of the radial artery