I.E.3 Forearm, Carpal Region & Hand: Hand Bones, Muscles, Vessels & Nerves

I.E.3 Forearm, Carpal Region & Hand: Hand Bones, Muscles, Vessels & Nerves: Page 4 of 4

Muscle compartments of the hand - continued

Thenar muscles:

	Step 12: Add the flexor pollicis brevis (not present in this cadaver).
	Step 13: Add the abductor pollicis brevis (not present in this cadaver).
	Step 14: Add the opponens pollicis.

	What are the functions of these muscles?
These muscles control the movement of the thumb towards the middle of the palm.
	Why are the intrinsic muscles of the palm and thenar muscles so important to humans?
Apes and humans are the only mammals that can opponate their thumbs. This fine motor control allows us to pick up small objects. This is why we can button an shirt or pick up a pin.

Hypothenar muscles:

	Step 15: Add the opponens digiti minimis.
	Step 16: Add the flexor digiti minimi brevis.
	Step 17: Add the abductor digiti minimi.
	Step 18: View the completed hand.

	What are the functions of these muscles?
These muscles control the little finger.