Home Body Atlas Muscles Flexor Pollicis Brevis Deep Head
Muscle Hand & Wrist

Flexor Pollicis Brevis Deep Head

caput profundum m. flexoris pollicis brevis

The deep head is ulnar-innervated (unlike the superficial head which is median), making FPB the only intrinsic muscle with dual innervation. Inserts via the ulnar sesamoid.

Nerve: Deep branch of ulnar nerve (C8, T1) Blood Supply: Princeps pollicis artery Region: Hand & Wrist
Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

OriginUlnar aspect of the first metacarpal, trapezoid and capitate
InsertionUlnar sesamoid at the MCP joint
Nerve SupplyDeep branch of ulnar nerve (C8, T1)
Blood SupplyPrinceps pollicis artery
Biomechanics

Function & Actions

ActionsFlexes the thumb MCP joint; Provides medial MCP stability via ulnar sesamoid
Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The dual innervation explains why thumb MCP flexion may be partially preserved in both median and ulnar palsies. The deep head's ulnar sesamoid insertion contributes to MCP volar plate integrity.

Palpation

Not testable separately from the superficial head clinically.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Deep FPB Head Denervation in Low Ulnar Palsy

Loss of deep FPB head producing ulnar sesamoid instability and MCP ulnar deviation.

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