opponens pollicis muscle


op·po·nens pol·li·cis mus·cle

(op-ō'nenz pol'li-sis mŭs'ĕl) Origin, ridge of trapezium and flexor retinaculum; insertion, anterior surface of the full length of the shaft of the first metacarpal bone; action, acts at carpometacarpal joint to "cup" palm, enabling one to oppose thumb to other fingers; nerve supply, median.
Synonym(s): musculus opponens pollicis [TA] .

opponens pollicis muscle

A muscle of the hand originating on the trapezium and flexor retinaculum and inserted in the first metacarpal. It flexes and adducts the thumb (brings it across the palm) and is controlled by the median nerve. See also: muscle