Summary
This paper highlights the many similarities between the adductor pollicis and the palmar interossei. In particular it compares their anatomy, innervation and function. It suggests that adductor pollicis should be considered as the first palmar interosseous and that this view simplifies the teaching of hand anatomy and the tests of ulnar nerve function. Further support for the view that adductor pollicis is the thenar counterpart of the second, third and fourth palmar interossei is gained from studies of the literature on hand evolution, in particular published details of fossil records and dissection of primate hands.
Résumé
Cet article souligne les nombreuses similitudes qui existent entre le m. adducteur du pouce et le m. premier inter-osseux palmaire. Il compare en particulier l'anatomie l'innervation et la fonction de ces muscles. Le m. adducteur du pouce semble bien devoir être considéré comme le m. premier inter-osseux palmaire et ce point de vue simplifie l'enseignement de l'anatomie de la main ainsi que l'évaluation de la fonction du nerf ulnaire. Des arguments supplémentaires en faveur de l'hypothèse d'un m. adducteur du pouce qui serait la contre-partie thénarienne des second, troisème et quatrième mm. inter-osseux palmaires proviennent de l'étude de la littérature concernant la phylogénèse de la main et en particulier des résultats d'études portant sur les fossiles et les dissections de mains de primates.
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Mardel, S., Underwood, M. Adductor pollicis. The missing interosseous. Surg Radiol Anat 13, 49–52 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01623142
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01623142