OF THE HAND. 395 



The Opponens Pollicis is a small triangular muscle, placed beneath the pre- 

 ceding. It arises from the palmar surface of the trapezium and annular liga- 

 ment, passes downwards and outwards, and is inserted into the whole length 

 of the metacarpal bone of the thumb on its radial side. 



Fig. 244. Muscles of the Left Hand. Palmar Surface. 



Relations. By its superficial surface, witn the Abductor Pollicis. By its deep 

 surface, with the trapezio-metacarpal articulation. By its inner border, with the 

 Flexor Brevis Pollicis. 



The Flexor Brevis Pollicis is much larger than either of the two preceding 

 muscles, beneath which it is placed. It consists of two portions, in the interval 

 between which lies the tendon of the Flexor Longus Pollicis. The anterior and 



