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Opponens Pollicis Origin Insertion Action

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Origin: Distal border of the flexor retinaculum and the trapezium

Insertion: Lateral aspect of the first metacarpal

Actions: Opposition of the thumb toward the digits, Flexion of the thumb at the carpometacarpal joint

Innervation: Median nerve (C8, T1)

Blood Supply: Superficial palmar branches of the radial artery

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If you are looking for pain and symptoms information, please visit the Opponens  pollicis pain page

Primary Actions of the Opponens Pollicis

1. Opposition of the thumb toward the digits

  Agonists:

  • Abductor Pollicis Brevis
  • Adductor Pollicis
  • Flexor Pollicis Brevis

  Antagonists:

  • Extensor Pollicis Longus
  • Extensor Pollicis Brevis
  • Abductor Pollicis Longus

2. Flexion of the thumb at the carpometacarpal joint

  Agonists:

  • Adductor Pollicis
  • Flexor Pollicis Longus
  • Flexor Pollicis Brevis

  Antagonists:

  • Abductor Pollicis Longus
  • Extensor Pollicis Brevis

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References:

Clay, J. H., Allen, L., Pounds, D. (2015). Clay & Pounds' Basic Clinical Massage Therapy: Integrating Anatomy and Treatment (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Netter, F. (2014). Atlas of Human Anatomy (6th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.

Muscolino, J., (2016) Kinesiology: The Skeletal System and Muscle Function (3rd ed.). Maryland Heights, Missouri: Mosby.

Image Credits: Dreamstime 

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