ADDUCTOR OBLIQUUS POLLICIS Meaning and
Definition
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The adductor obliquus pollicis is a muscle located in the hand and forearm region. It is specifically situated within the anatomical snuffbox, a triangular depression found on the radial side (thumb side) of the wrist. This muscle is part of the intrinsic muscles of the hand and is responsible for various movements involving the thumb.
The term "adductor" refers to the muscle's primary function of adduction, which is the movement that brings the thumb towards the palm or fingers. The adductor obliquus pollicis plays a crucial role in opposition and flexion of the thumb, aiding in its grasping and pinching actions.
The word "obliquus" denotes the oblique direction of the muscle fibers. This name reflects the muscle's course from the base of the thumb (the first metacarpal bone) to the ulnar side of the thumb, where the muscle is attached to the proximal phalanx of the thumb. The oblique orientation of the adductor obliquus pollicis allows it to act in conjunction with other muscles to provide precise movements of the thumb.
The adductor obliquus pollicis is innervated by the deep branch of the ulnar nerve, which originates from the brachial plexus. It receives its blood supply from the deep palmar arch, an arterial network formed by the ulnar artery. Dysfunction or damage to this muscle can result in reduced thumb movement and grip strength, leading to difficulties in performing fine motor tasks that require thumb opposition or adduction.
