Anatomy and Cell Biology 3319 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Flexor Digitorum Profundus Muscle, Abductor Digiti Minimi Muscle Of Hand, Opponens Digiti Minimi Muscle Of Hand

• School: Western University
• Department: Anatomy and Cell Biology
• Course: Anatomy and Cell Biology 3319
• Professor: Peter Merrifield

Document Summary

Describe the 9 muscles of the posterior compartment of the forearm. Posterior compartment muscles are extensor muscles and supinators. Flattened tendons (aponeurosis) of extensor muscles that run into the dorsum of the hand. Distal end of the metacarpal to the tip of the proximal phalange, it forms a hood. Covers the backside of the hand and the sides. Divided into 3 bands: 2 lateral bands on either side of the proximal phalanx and stretch down to the distal phalanx. Formed by the tendons of the extensor pollicis brevis and extensor pollicis longus. Able to oppose or turn back against the other 4 fingers. This action enables the hand to refine its grip to hold objects which would be hard to do if the thumb wasn"t there. Fine motor skill contribution, leading to the possible development of tools during evolution. Most dexterous species in the world are those with opposable thumbs.