The thumb contains several muscles, primarily those located in the thenar eminence (the fleshy base of the thumb). These muscles are responsible for the thumb's unique range of motion.
Thenar Muscles of the Thumb
The thenar eminence consists of three main muscles that control thumb movement:
- Abductor Pollicis Brevis (APB): This muscle abducts (moves away from the palm) the thumb.
- Flexor Pollicis Brevis (FPB): This muscle flexes (bends) the thumb at the metacarpophalangeal joint.
- Opponens Pollicis (OPP): This muscle opposes the thumb, allowing it to touch the other fingers, a crucial movement for grasping.
These muscles work together to provide the thumb's dexterity and functionality.
