Description
The hand is composed of both intrinsic and extrinsic muscles.
- The extrinsic muscles of the hand are the long flexor and extensors that originate in the arm or forearm.
- The intrinsic muscles of the hand are a group of muscles that originate and insert into structures within the hand itself.
The intrinsic muscles of the hand are involved in fine motor movements and allow for great dexterity of the hand.
For classification purposes, the intrinsic muscles of the hand are divided into five distinct groups:
- thenar muscles;
- adductor pollicis muscle;
- hypothenar muscles;
- interossei muscles of hand;
- lumbrical muscles of hand.
Related parts of the anatomy
Learn more about this topic from other Elsevier products
Muscles of the hand: Video & Qbank for Students
Muscles of the hand: videos, Qbank, notes and a study schedule, all in one platform. Built on Elsevier content for medical and nursing students.
