ABDUCTOR INDICIS Meaning and
Definition
-
The term "abductor indicis" is a medical term that refers to a specific muscle located in the hand. The word "abductor" comes from the Latin word "abducere," meaning "to lead away," and "indicis" refers to the index finger.
In human anatomy, the abductor indicis is a small, triangular-shaped muscle situated on the palm side of the hand. It originates from the base of the metacarpal bone of the index finger and attaches to the extensor expansion on the backside of the finger.
The primary function of the abductor indicis is to carry out abduction of the index finger, which means it moves the finger away from the midline of the hand. This muscle works in coordination with other muscles in the hand to facilitate precise movements of the index finger, such as extending it away from the other fingers or separating it from the thumb.
The abductor indicis is innervated by the deep branch of the ulnar nerve, which provides the necessary signals for the muscle to contract and produce movement. This muscle's role in finger dexterity and fine motor skills is crucial, as it enables actions like pointing, tapping, and gripping objects with the index finger.
While the abductor indicis is relatively small in size compared to other hand muscles, its functional significance and precise control make it an integral component of hand movements and overall hand function.
Etymology of ABDUCTOR INDICIS
The word abductor indicis is derived from Latin.
- Abductor comes from the Latin verb abducere, which means to lead or take away. It is a combination of ab (away) and ducere (to lead).
- Indicis is the genitive form of the Latin noun index, which means index or forefinger.
When combined, abductor indicis refers to the muscle responsible for abducting the index finger, specifically the abductor indicis muscle.
