Upper limb

Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (Hand)

Musculus flexor digiti minimi brevis manus

Origin

Hook of the hamate bone and the flexor retinaculum

Insertion

Base of the proximal phalanx of the little finger

Function

Flexes the metacarpophalangeal joint of the little finger

Innervation

Ulnar nerve (deep branch), C8–T1

Movement & chain

Works together with opponens digiti minimi and abductor digiti minimi to form the hypothenar eminence and cup the palm around an object during a power grip.

Palpation

Palpable on the ulnar-palmar hypothenar eminence radial to the pisiform during pinky flexion.

Clinical

Hypothenar atrophy is characteristic of chronic ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (cubital tunnel) or wrist (Guyon's canal).

Segmental innervation

Part of the hypothenar musculature; loss of function fits with a lesion of the deep branch of the ulnar nerve (for example in Guyon's canal).

In clinical practice

Focus on hand function and edema prevention; ensure IV cannulas and splints maintain functional hand position to prevent joint contractures.

Region in the model

Upper limb