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Adductor pollicis. The missing interosseous
1Accident and Emergency Department, Leicester Royal Infirmary, United Kingdom.
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA
|January 1, 1991
Summary
The adductor pollicis muscle is anatomically and functionally similar to the palmar interossei, suggesting it be viewed as the first palmar interosseous. This perspective simplifies hand anatomy education and ulnar nerve function testing.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Evolutionary Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- The adductor pollicis and palmar interossei muscles of the hand share functional roles.
- Understanding their precise anatomical and functional relationships is crucial for effective clinical assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the anatomy, innervation, and function of the adductor pollicis and palmar interossei.
- To propose a new conceptualization of the adductor pollicis within the palmar interossei group.
- To evaluate the implications of this reclassification for teaching hand anatomy and ulnar nerve function.
Main Methods:
- Comparative anatomical analysis of adductor pollicis and palmar interossei.
- Review of literature on hand innervation and muscle function.
- Examination of evolutionary data, including fossil records and primate hand dissections.
Main Results:
- Significant similarities identified in the anatomy, innervation, and function of adductor pollicis and palmar interossei.
- Evidence suggests adductor pollicis can be functionally considered the first palmar interosseous.
- Evolutionary and comparative studies support adductor pollicis as a thenar counterpart to other palmar interossei.
Conclusions:
- Reclassifying adductor pollicis as the first palmar interosseous simplifies understanding of hand anatomy.
- This perspective aids in the teaching and testing of ulnar nerve function.
- The proposed classification is supported by anatomical, functional, and evolutionary evidence.