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Abductor pollicis longus / brevis

Muscle origin: Posterior surface of proximal half of radius, ulna and interosseus membrane (Abductor pollicis longus). Tubercles of scaphoid and trapezium bones, and flexor retinaculum (Abductor pollicis brevis)

Muscle insertion: Base of 1st metacarpal bone and trapezium bone (Abductor pollicis longus). Lateral aspect of base of 1st proximal phalanx via radial sesamoid bone (Abductor pollicis brevis)

Muscle function: Wrist extension, abduction and extension of thumb and control of radius (Abductor pollicis longus). Thumb abduction (Abductor pollicis brevis)

Nerve innervation: C7-T1 (Lovett reactor T9-11)

Myofascial lines

Primary inhibatory muscles

Related joints

Longus
Wrist is in neutral position. Place the thumb in full abduction and the proximal joint of the pollicis in full flexion. Stabilize the ulnar side of the hand and apply pressure on the distal part of the 1st metacarpal bone in adduction in a straight line towards the index finger.
Brevis
Wrist is in neutral position. Place the thumb in full abduction and the proximal joint of the pollicis in full flexion. Stabilize the ulnar side of the hand and apply pressure on the medial distal part of the 1st metacarpal bone in adduction in a slight line towards the dorsal side of the index finger.

Functional anatomy for

Abductor pollicis longus / brevis

Organ relationship: Symp T1-L2 / Parasymp CX (Vagus), S2-4

  • Heart (FA)
    • Symp – T1-6 (Cardiac plexus)
    • Parasymp – CX (Vagus)
  • Pancreas (AK)
    • Symp T5-10 (Celiac plexus)
    • Parasymp – CX (Vagus)
  • Gallbladder (AK)
    • Symp – T5-T9 (Celiac plexus)
    • Parasymp – CX (Vagus)
  • Reproductive organs (AK)
    • Symp – T10-L2 (Inferior Hypogastric, Ovarian and Testicular plexus)
    • Parasymp – S2-4 (Sacral plexus)

Synergists

Release exercises

Corrective strength exercises

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