Terminology
In anatomical and clinical practice, the Latin name musculus oppōnens digiti minimi is translated into Russian as «мышца, противопоставляющая мизинец». In the provided excerpts, this term is used to designate the muscle of the hand and the muscle of the foot.
Where is it located and what are its relations in the hand?
In the upper extremity, the muscle is located in the medial compartment of the palm, also known as the hypothenar compartment (compartimentum palmaris medialis).
Borders of this fascial compartment:
- Anteriorly and medially — fascia propria attaching to the fifth metacarpal bone.
- Posteriorly — fifth metacarpal bone.
- Laterally — medial intermuscular septum.
Together with it, the hypothenar eminence includes the following structures:
- Abductor digiti minimi muscle (m. abductor digiti minimi) — originates from the pisiform bone (os pisiforme) and abducts the little finger.
- Flexor digiti minimi brevis (m. flexor digiti minimi brevis) — originates from the hook of the hamate (hamatum) and the flexor retinaculum, flexing the proximal phalanx.
- Palmaris brevis (m. palmaris brevis) — located superficially, tightens the palmar aponeurosis, forms a skin fold at the ulnar border, and protects the neurovascular bundle.
Structure and function in the upper extremity
- Origin: originates from the hook of the hamate bone (hamulus ossis hamati).
- Insertion: attaches to the ulnar border of the fifth metacarpal bone.
- Function: opposes the little finger to the thumb. This movement includes slight palmar rotation and adduction of the little finger.
- Innervation: provided by nerve fibers from spinal cord segments C7–Th1.
Topography in the lower extremity (foot)
In the foot, m. opponens digiti minimi is located in the lateral fascial compartment of the sole.
Boundaries of the lateral compartment:
- Inferiorly and laterally — fascia propria.
- Medially — lateral intermuscular septum.
- Superiorly — cuboid bone and fifth metatarsal bone.
The contents of the compartment include the muscles of the little toe: abductor digiti minimi muscle of the foot (m. abductor digiti minimi), flexor digiti minimi brevis of the foot (m. flexor digiti minimi brevis), and opponens digiti minimi (m. opponens digiti minimi).
Structure and function in the foot
In the lower extremity, this muscle is often considered part of the flexor digiti minimi brevis of the foot.
- Origin: lateral border of the fifth metatarsal bone, as well as the tendon sheath of the peroneus longus (m. peroneus longus / vagina tendinis m. fibularis longi plantaris).
- Insertion: lateral border of the fifth metatarsal bone or the base of the proximal phalanx.
- Function: slight opposition of the little toe (adduction and rotation), as well as stabilization of the lateral arch of the foot.
Class and exam questions
Which spinal cord segments innervate the muscle in the hand?
Innervation is provided by nerve fibers from segments C7–Th1.
Which muscles are part of the hypothenar eminence along with it?
The hypothenar muscles include the abductor digiti minimi (m. abductor digiti minimi), flexor digiti minimi brevis, and palmaris brevis (m. palmaris brevis).
Where does this muscle originate in the hand?
In the upper extremity, it originates from the hook of the hamate bone (hamulus ossis hamati).
What function does the muscle perform in the foot?
In the lower extremity, it provides slight opposition of the little toe (adduction and rotation) and participates in stabilizing the lateral arch of the foot.
What else to study on this topic
- Hypothenar muscles
- Lateral plantar fascial compartment
- Innervation of the muscles of the hand
Study the complete topic in the Anatomy course
This is a summary. The course covers everything tested in classes and exams.
- Complete study guide on the "Opponent muscle of the little finger" and 1,363 other pages of the subject
- Assignments and quizzes after every topic — just like in a colloquium
- AI tutor answers questions on the topic anytime
- 295 video lessons by subject
Other topics in the "Anatomical Structures" section
Free video lessons: AnatomyShort lessons with study notes — no registration required.
Prepared by WhiteCoat Pro faculty in accordance with the medical school curriculum. For educational purposes only.