Musculus abductor minimi digiti is a term used in anatomy to describe a muscle that helps to move the little finger away from the hand. The phonetic transcription of this term is /ˈmʌskjʊləs əbˈdʌktə mɪˈnimi ˈdɪdʒɪti/. The spelling is based on its Latin origin, where "musculus" means muscle, "abductor" means to move away from the body, "minimi" is the genitive singular form of "minimum" meaning smallest, and "digiti" means finger. With its precise spelling and pronunciation, this term helps medical professionals communicate effectively about the human anatomy.
Musculus abductor minimi digiti, also known as the abductor digiti minimi muscle, is a Latin term used in anatomy to describe a specific muscle of the human body. The term "musculus" refers to a muscle, "abductor" refers to its function of moving a body part away from the midline of the body or a reference point, "minimi" means "small" or "smallest," and "digiti" refers to the finger or toe.
The musculus abductor minimi digiti is a skeletal muscle located in the hand, specifically in the palm. It is found on the pinky side of the hand and originates from the pisiform bone, which is a carpal bone of the wrist. It inserts into the base of the proximal phalanx of the little finger.
The main function of the musculus abductor minimi digiti is to control the movement of the little finger. It acts as an abductor by contracting and pulling the little finger away from the other fingers, effectively spreading them apart. This muscle is responsible for movements such as opening the hand, playing musical instruments like the piano or guitar, and performing tasks that involve grasping or holding objects with the little finger.
Understanding the anatomy and function of the musculus abductor minimi digiti is important in various medical fields, such as orthopedics, hand surgery, and physical therapy, as it plays a significant role in the overall dexterity and functionality of the hand.
M. abductor digiti quinti.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.