The hypothenar space is one of the three deep palmar spaces in the hand, located on the ulnar side and containing the hypothenar muscles.
Deep Palmar Spaces of the Hand
The hand contains three major deep palmar spaces:
- Thenar Space: Located on the radial side of the palm.
- Midpalmar Space: Situated centrally in the palm.
- Hypothenar Space: Located on the ulnar side of the palm.
Hypothenar Space Details
- Location: Ulnar side of the palm
- Contents: Hypothenar muscles (abductor digiti minimi, flexor digiti minimi brevis, and opponens digiti minimi).
- Relationship to Tendons: Unlike the thenar and midpalmar spaces, the hypothenar space does not contain long flexor tendons of the digits.
- Clinical Significance: Infections of the hypothenar space are rare compared to the other palmar spaces.
In summary, the hypothenar space is a distinct anatomical compartment in the hand containing the muscles that control the movement of the little finger, and it is notable for not containing long flexor tendons.
