248 MUSCLES OF THE HAND. 



The FLEXOR ossis METACARPI (adductor, opponens) arises from the 

 uncifonn bone and annular ligament, and is inserted into the whole 

 length of the metacarpal bone of the little finger. 



Relations. By its superficial surface with the flexor brevis and ab- 

 ductor minimi digiti. By its deep surface with the interossei muscles 

 of the last metacarpal space, the metacarpal bone, and the flexor ten- 

 dons of the little finger. 



Palmar Region. 



Lumbricales, 

 Interossei palmares, 

 Interossei dorsales. 



The LUMBRICALES, four in number, are accessories to the deep flexor 

 muscle. They arise from the tendons of the deep flexor; the first and 

 second from the palmar side, the third from the ulnar, and the fourth 

 from the radial side ; and are inserted into the aponeurotic expansion of 

 the extensor tendons on the radial side of the fingers. The third, or 

 that of the tendon of the ring finger, sometimes bifurcates, otherwise it 

 is inserted wholly into the extensor tendon of the middle finger. 



Relations. In the palm of the hand with the flexor tendons ; at 

 their insertion, with the tendons of the interossei and the metacarpo- 

 phalangeal articulations. 



The PALMAR INTEROSSEI, three in number, are placed upon the 

 metacarpal bones, rather than between them. They arise from the 

 base of the metacarpal bone of one finger, and are inserted into the 

 base of the first phalanx and aponeurotic expansion of the extensor 

 tendon of the same finger. The first belongs to the index finger ; the 

 second, to the ring finger; and the third, to the little finger; the 

 middle finger being excluded. 



Relations. By their palmar surface with the flexor tendons and 

 with the deep muscles in the palm of the hand. By their dorsal sur- 

 face with the dorsal interossei. On one side with the metacarpal 

 bone, on the other with the corresponding dorsal interosseous. 



DORSAL INTEROSSEI. On turning to the dorsum of the hand, the 

 four dorsal interossei are seen in the four spaces between the metacar- 

 pal bones. They are bipenniform muscles, and arise by two heads, 

 from the adjoining sides of the base of the metacarpal bones. They 

 are inserted into the base of the first phalanges, and aponeurosis of the 

 extensor tendons. 



The first is inserted into the index finger, and from its use is called 

 abductor indicis; the second and third are inserted into the middle 

 finger, compensating its exclusion from the palmar group ; the fourth is 

 attached to the ring finger ; so that each finger is provided with two 

 interossei, with the exception of the little finger, as may be shewn by 

 means of a table, thus : 



