Flexor Pollicis Brevis

Joe Muscolino

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The flexor pollicis brevis of the intrinsic muscles of the hand. The transverse carpal ligament (flexor retinaculum) has been drawn in.

The Flexor Pollicis Brevis is a member of the Thenar Eminence Group of intrinsic muscles of the hand, composed of the:

 

ATTACHMENTS:

  • The flexor pollicis brevis attaches from the transverse carpal ligament and the trapezium to the proximal phalanx of the thumb.
    • The transverse carpal ligament is also known as the flexor retinaculum.

 

ACTIONS:

  • Flexes the thumb at the carpometacarpal joint.
  • Abducts the thumb at the carpometacarpal joint.
  • Flexes the thumb at the metacarpophalangeal joint.

 

NOTE: There is a sesamoid bone in the distal tendon of the flexor pollicis brevis.