Hypothenar Eminence Group

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The Hypothenar Eminence Group of intrinsic muscles of the hand is composed of the:

• Abductor digiti minimi manus
• Flexor digiti minimi manus
• Opponens digiti minimi
• (the Palmaris brevis could also be considered to be in the hypothenar eminence group)

ATTACHMENTS:

• The muscles of the hypothenar eminence group attach from the transverse carpal ligament and the hamate and pisiform to the little finger.
  • The abductor digiti minimi manus and flexor digiti minimi manus attach distally onto the proximal phalanx of the little finger.
  • The opponens digiti minimi attaches distally onto the metacarpal of the little finger.
  • The transverse carpal ligament is also known as the flexor retinaculum.

ACTIONS:

• Abducts the little finger at the metacarpophalangeal joint.
• Flexes the little finger at the metacarpophalangeal joint.
• Opposes the little finger at the carpometacarpal joint.
• Flexes the little finger at the carpometacarpal joint.
• Laterally rotates the little finger at the carpometacarpal joint.
• Adducts the little finger at the carpometacarpal joint.

NOTES:

1. All three muscles of the thenar eminence group attach onto the little finger.
2. There are three analogous muscles of the thenar eminence group that attach onto the thumb: abductor pollicis brevis, flexor pollicis brevis, and opponens pollicis.