Musculus abductor digiti quinti is a term used in anatomy to refer to a muscle located in the foot. The spelling of this phrase can be explained through the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as follows: [ˈmʌs.kjʊ.ləs] [æbˈdʌk.tɔːr] [ˈdɪdʒ.ɪ.taɪ] [ˈkwɪn.taɪ]. Each syllable is pronounced as shown, with the stress falling on the first syllable of each word. Understanding the IPA can be helpful in deciphering complex scientific terminology like this.
Musculus abductor digiti quinti, also known as the abductor digiti quinti muscle, is a skeletal muscle located in the hand. It is part of the hypothenar muscle group and is situated on the pinky side of the palm. "Musculus" is the Latin term for muscle, "abductor" indicates its role as a muscle responsible for moving the designated body part away from the midline of the body, and "digiti quinti" refers to the fifth finger, which is the pinky.
The primary function of the musculus abductor digiti quinti is to control the movement of the little finger. Its contraction enables the pinky to move away from the midline of the hand, a movement known as abduction. This muscle contributes to the fine motor control and dexterity of the hand by allowing individual movement of each finger, which is vital for tasks such as typing, writing, and playing musical instruments.
The musculus abductor digiti quinti originates from the pisiform bone located near the wrist joint and attaches to the base of the proximal phalanx of the little finger. It is innervated by the deep branch of the ulnar nerve, which supplies sensory and motor innervation to the hand. This muscle works in coordination with other muscles of the hand to perform precise movements and maintain optimal control and functionality of the fingers.
M. abductor minimi digiti; origin, pisiform bone; insertion, inner side of base of 1st phalanx of the little finger; nerve supply, ulnar; action, abducts little finger.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.