Upper limb

Palmaris Brevis

Musculus palmaris brevis

Origin

Palmar aponeurosis and flexor retinaculum on the ulnar side (at the level of the pisiform bone)

Insertion

Skin of the ulnar border of the hand (hypothenar skin); no true bony insertion: it is a subcutaneous skin muscle

Function

Wrinkles the skin of the hypothenar eminence and deepens the hollow of the palm, reinforcing the grip

Innervation

Superficial branch of the ulnar nerve, C8–T1

Movement & chain

Tenses the hypothenar skin and deepens the palmar cup to enhance precision grip and skin stability.

Palpation

Visible/palpable as a thin skin fold on the ulnar border of the palm during a firm fist grip.

Clinical

Has no clinically significant injuries of note; used mainly as an anatomical marker because, together with the hypothenar muscles, it is innervated by the superficial branch of the ulnar nerve.

Segmental innervation

Ulnar nerve, C8–T1.

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