
Locate abductor pollicis brevis on this anatomical reference. Read the original plate labels to confirm the view and adjacent structures.
Zoom in, then drag to inspect. Keyboard: + / − to zoom, arrows to pan, 0 to reset. Tap the numbered markers to explore parts.
This multipart figure shows the intrinsic muscles of the hand with the major muscle groups labeled.
Image: OpenStax / University of Hawaiʻi adapted teaching figures; original contributors credited at source · Source / original · CC BY 4.0 — figure credits at sourceNumbered markers and focused views are Mediveerse learning overlays; the original reference is linked above.
Thenar muscles
Understand what you see.
Position the thumb for precision grip and opposition.
Zoom into the original labels. Practise pointing out each structure, then explain it aloud. Diagrams are teaching references; specimen appearance and slide staining vary.
How to recognise it.
- Muscle mass at thumb base
- Includes abductor pollicis brevis
- Opposition involves first metacarpal rotation
Point them out.
Tap a number to open its reference, zoom in and locate the structure. Numbers stay the same across views. This key follows landmarks visible in the reference images.
Think first. Then reveal.
Say your answer aloud before opening the suggested response.
01How do you identify thenar muscles?+
Muscle mass at thumb base. Includes abductor pollicis brevis. Opposition involves first metacarpal rotation.
02Which nerve supplies most thenar muscles?+
Recurrent median branch; deep head of flexor pollicis brevis often receives ulnar supply and variants occur.
03Is adductor pollicis supplied by the recurrent median branch?+
No. It is supplied by deep ulnar nerve and is distinct from the usual thenar triad.
04What is its main functional or developmental significance?+
Position the thumb for precision grip and opposition. Key structures to recognise: Abductor pollicis brevis; Flexor pollicis brevis; Opponens pollicis.
Read the references.
Credited anatomical plates, microscopy and university teaching references. Individual image credits appear below the viewer. Historical plates can use older terminology; use the lesson text for current names.