MuscleHand — thenar
Opponens pollicis
Latin: M. opponens pollicis
Location: Hand
View the opponens pollicis in 3DOrigin
Flexor retinaculum and trapezium.
Insertion
Lateral border of the first metacarpal.
Action
Rotates and cups the first metacarpal over the palm — the opposition arc letting thumb meet fingertips.
Nerve supply
Median nerve — recurrent thenar branch (C8–T1).
Blood supply
Superficial palmar arch.
Clinical relevance
It wastes with abductor pollicis brevis in advanced carpal tunnel syndrome; in some people the ulnar nerve also supplies it (Riche–Cannieu anastomosis), preserving opposition.
Educational anatomy reference, not medical advice. About this content.