Flexor digiti minimi brevis of hand

The flexor digiti minimi brevis (Latin: musculus flexor digiti minimi brevis) is a small, thin and slender muscle of the little finger. Together with the abductor digiti minimi and opponens digiti minimi, the flexor digiti minimi brevis forms the hypothenar eminence. Therefore, it is also known as one of the hypothenar muscles. It stretches between the proximal phalanx of the little finger and hamate bone on the ulnar side of the palm. The flexor digiti minimi brevis lies lateral to the opponens digiti minimi.

Origin

The flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle originates from the flexor retinaculum and the hook of the hamate bone.

Insertion

The flexor digiti minimi brevis inserts on the base of the proximal phalanx of the fifth finger.

Action

The primary function of the flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle is the flexion of the little finger at the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint.

Innervation

The flexor digiti minimi brevis is innervated by the deep branch of the ulnar nerve that arises from the brachial plexus (C8, T1).

Blood supply

The flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle receives arterial blood supply from the deep palmar branch of the ulnar artery.