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Flexor pollicis longus / brevis

Muscle origin: Anterior surface of radius and interosseous membrane (Flexor pollicis longus). Flexor retinaculum, tubercle of trapezium bone, Trapezoid and capitate bones (Flexor pollicis brevis)

Muscle insertion: Palmar surface of distal phalanx of thumb (Flexor pollicis longus). Lateral aspect of base of 1st proximal phalanx via radial sesamoid bone (Flexor pollicis brevis)

Muscle function: Flexion of Metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint of thumb, wrist flexion and control of Radius (Flexor pollicus longus). Flexion Carpometacarpal and metacarpophalangeal joint of thumb (Flexor pollicis brevis).

Nerve innervation: C7-T1 (Lovett reactor T10-11)

Myofascial lines

Primary inhibatory muscles: Biceps brachii, Flexor carpi ulnaris/radialis, Extensor carpi ulnaris/radialis

Related joints: Radioulnar, Wrist, Carpometacarpal, Metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint of thumb

Longus
Thumb is placed in full flexion. Stabilize the proximal phalanx of pollicis and then apply pressure on the inside of the distal phalanx towards extension of the distal joint.
Flexor pollicis brevis
Thumb is placed with full flexion of base joint and distal joint kept in extension. Stabilize the 1. metacarpal bone and then apply pressure on the inside of the proximal phalanx of the pollicis towards extension of the thumb basejoint.

Functional anatomy for

Flexor pollicis longus / brevis

Organ relationship: Symp T1-L1 / Parasymp CX (Vagus)

  • Heart (FA)
    • Symp – T1-6 (Cardiac plexus)
    • Parasymp – CX (Vagus)
  • Lungs (AK)
    • Symp – T2-T6 (Pulmonary plexus)
    • Parasymp – CX (Vagus)
  • Stomach (AK)
    • Symp – T5-9 (Celiac plexus)
    • Parasymp – CX (Vagus)
  • Pancreas (AK)
    • Symp T5-10 (Celiac plexus)
    • Parasymp – CX (Vagus)
  • Adrenals (AK)
    • Symp – T8-L1 (Celiac and Renal plexus)
    • Parasymp – None

Synergists

Release exercises

Corrective strength exercises

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