Abductor Pollicis Brevis

Region: Forearm & Hand Muscles · All forearm & hand muscles

Abductor Pollicis Brevis at a glance

OriginFlexor retinaculum and the scaphoid and trapezium
InsertionLateral side of the base of the proximal phalanx of the thumb
ActionsMoves the thumb away from the palm, at right angles to it (palmar abduction)
Nerve supplyMedian nerve, recurrent branch (C8–T1)

◆ Good to know

The main muscle of the thenar eminence tested after carpal tunnel problems: its weakness flattens the thumb pad and weakens pinch.

Please note: This page is an anatomy education summary for students and curious readers, not medical advice. Attachment points are given in their classic short form; individual anatomy varies, and detailed dissection-level descriptions belong in an anatomy atlas.