Chapter 10 - Section 10.4 - Study Guide - Assess Your Learning Outcomes - Page 371: 9

The hypothenar group of intrinsic hand muscles is located at the base of the little finger (pinky finger). These muscles are responsible for controlling movements and positioning of the little finger. Here's some information about each of the muscles in the hypothenar group: 1. **Abductor Digiti Minimi**: - **Location**: This muscle is found on the palm side of the hand, specifically at the base of the little finger. - **Action**: The primary function of the abductor digiti minimi is to abduct the little finger, meaning it moves the little finger away from the palm, allowing it to move away from the other fingers. - **Innervation**: It is innervated by the ulnar nerve. 2. **Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis**: - **Location**: This muscle is also located at the base of the little finger. - **Action**: The flexor digiti minimi brevis primarily flexes the little finger at the metacarpophalangeal joint, allowing the little finger to bend at its base. - **Innervation**: It is innervated by the ulnar nerve. 3. **Opponens Digiti Minimi**: - **Location**: Found within the hypothenar eminence, which is the fleshy part at the base of the little finger. - **Action**: The opponens digiti minimi muscle opposes the little finger, meaning it allows the little finger to move across the palm and make contact with the other fingers, facilitating grasping and pinching movements specifically with the little finger. - **Innervation**: It is innervated by the ulnar nerve. The hypothenar muscles, similar to the thenar muscles at the base of the thumb, play a crucial role in fine motor control and grip strength. They enable precise movements of the little finger and contribute to activities that require dexterity and precision in the hand, such as holding small objects, typing, and performing tasks that involve the use of the little finger.

The hypothenar group of intrinsic hand muscles is located at the base of the little finger (pinky finger). These muscles are responsible for controlling movements and positioning of the little finger. Here's some information about each of the muscles in the hypothenar group: 1. **Abductor Digiti Minimi**: - **Location**: This muscle is found on the palm side of the hand, specifically at the base of the little finger. - **Action**: The primary function of the abductor digiti minimi is to abduct the little finger, meaning it moves the little finger away from the palm, allowing it to move away from the other fingers. - **Innervation**: It is innervated by the ulnar nerve. 2. **Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis**: - **Location**: This muscle is also located at the base of the little finger. - **Action**: The flexor digiti minimi brevis primarily flexes the little finger at the metacarpophalangeal joint, allowing the little finger to bend at its base. - **Innervation**: It is innervated by the ulnar nerve. 3. **Opponens Digiti Minimi**: - **Location**: Found within the hypothenar eminence, which is the fleshy part at the base of the little finger. - **Action**: The opponens digiti minimi muscle opposes the little finger, meaning it allows the little finger to move across the palm and make contact with the other fingers, facilitating grasping and pinching movements specifically with the little finger. - **Innervation**: It is innervated by the ulnar nerve. The hypothenar muscles, similar to the thenar muscles at the base of the thumb, play a crucial role in fine motor control and grip strength. They enable precise movements of the little finger and contribute to activities that require dexterity and precision in the hand, such as holding small objects, typing, and performing tasks that involve the use of the little finger.