Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (Hand)
Hand · Upper Limb
The flexor digiti minimi brevis is a hypothenar muscle lying lateral to abductor digiti minimi. It arises from the hook of the hamate and the flexor retinaculum and inserts on the base of the proximal phalanx of the little finger. It flexes the little finger at the metacarpophalangeal joint, working with the other hypothenar muscles to cup that side of the hand. It is supplied by the deep branch of the ulnar nerve (C8, T1).
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Hook of the hamate and flexor retinaculum
Insertion
Base of the proximal phalanx of the little finger
Action
Flexes the little finger at the metacarpophalangeal joint
Nerve
Deep branch of the ulnar nerve (C8–T1)
Attachments explained
The Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (Hand) is defined first by where it attaches. Its origin is the more fixed anchor, usually the proximal or more stable end that stays put during contraction, while its insertion is the more mobile point that is pulled toward the origin when the muscle shortens.
Origin
Hook of the hamate and flexor retinaculum
Insertion
Base of the proximal phalanx of the little finger
Action & function
When the Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (Hand) contracts, it produces the following movement: Flexes the little finger at the metacarpophalangeal joint.
As part of the Hand group of the Upper Limb, it works alongside neighbouring muscles to generate smooth, coordinated movement and to stabilise the structures it acts on.
Nerve supply & clinical relevance
The Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (Hand) receives its nerve supply from the Deep branch of the ulnar nerve (C8–T1). This nerve carries fibres from spinal segment(s) C8, T1.
Because a muscle can only contract when its nerve is intact, injury to the Deep branch of the ulnar nerve or to its spinal roots (C8, T1) can weaken or paralyse the Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (Hand), impairing the movements it normally produces (flexes the little finger at the metacarpophalangeal joint). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (Hand) (the OIANS method)
Read the name for the action: flexor digiti minimi brevis flexes the little finger at its knuckle. It mirrors flexor pollicis brevis on the thumb side, and its origin on the hook of the hamate places it in the middle of the hypothenar group.
Learn the three hypothenar muscles as a set that cups the ulnar side of the palm, all supplied by the deep branch of the ulnar nerve. Keeping abductor, flexor, and opponens digiti minimi together, differing only in whether they spread, bend, or rotate the little finger, is the efficient approach.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (Hand) located?
The Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (Hand) is a muscle of the Hand group, located in the Upper Limb.
What is the origin of the Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (Hand)?
Hook of the hamate and flexor retinaculum
What is the insertion of the Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (Hand)?
Base of the proximal phalanx of the little finger
What movements does the Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (Hand) produce?
Flexes the little finger at the metacarpophalangeal joint
What nerve supplies the Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (Hand)?
Deep branch of the ulnar nerve (C8–T1)
Is the Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (Hand) free to study in OIANS?
Yes. The Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (Hand) is free in OIANS: its full origin, insertion, action and nerve details are open to everyone in the Muscle Directory, and because it belongs to the Upper Limb it is also covered by the free Quiz and Flashcard decks. The other regions, the "All Muscles" deck, and the Progress and Explore tools are unlocked with a one-time Lifetime purchase.
Related muscles
Study the Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (Hand)
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