The spelling of the word "musculus lumbricalis manus" can be a bit tricky to understand. Using IPA phonetic transcription, "musculus" can be spelled /ˈmʊskjʊləs/, "lumbricalis" as /lʌmˈbrɪkəlɪs/, and "manus" as /ˈmeɪnəs/. The word refers to a muscle in the hand that is responsible for flexing the fingers. It is important to spell this word correctly in medical contexts to avoid confusion and ensure accurate communication between healthcare professionals.
Musculus lumbricalis manus refers to a specific muscle located within the hand. It is one of the intrinsic muscles of the hand, meaning it originates and acts within the hand itself. The term "musculus lumbricalis manus" is derived from Latin, where "musculus" means muscle, "lumbricalis" refers to something resembling a worm, and "manus" translates to hand.
The musculus lumbricalis manus consists of four small muscles situated on the palmar side of the hand. Each muscle starts from the tendons of the flexor digitorum profundus (the deep flexor muscle of the fingers) and extends toward the fingers. They run parallel to the fingers and are positioned closer to the thumb than the little finger.
The primary function of the musculus lumbricalis manus is to enable flexion at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints while providing extension at the interphalangeal (IP) joints of the fingers. In simpler terms, these muscles allow for bending of the fingers at the large knuckles while simultaneously straightening the middle and end joints of the fingers. They play a crucial role in gripping, grasping, and manipulating objects with precision.
Overall, the musculus lumbricalis manus contributes to the fine motor control and dexterity of the hand, allowing for intricate movements necessary for various manual tasks.
Four in number; origin, the two outer, or radial, from the radial side of the tendons of the flexor digitorum profundus going to the index and middle fingers, the two inner, or ulnar, from the adjacent sides of the 2d and 3d, and 3d and 4th tendons; insertion, radial side of 1st phalanx and extensor tendon on dorsum of each of the four fingers; nerve supply, the two radial by the median, the two ulnar by the ulnar; action, flex the 1st and extend the 2d and 3d phalanges.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.