Which nerve innervates the hypothenar muscles?

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Study for the Muscle Actions and Functions – Anatomy and Movement Test. Equip yourself with multiple choice questions, each with detailed explanations and hints. Prepare confidently for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which nerve innervates the hypothenar muscles?

Explanation:
The hypothenar muscles—the small group on the pinky side (abductor digiti minimi, flexor digiti minimi brevis, and opponens digiti minimi)—are supplied by the ulnar nerve, via its deep branch. This nerve specializes in motor innervation to the intrinsic hand muscles on the ulnar side, which is why the ulnar nerve is the correct choice. In contrast, the median nerve mainly supplies the thenar muscles (thumb side) and some of the lumbricals, the radial nerve handles the extensor/posterior forearm muscles, and the musculocutaneous nerve targets the anterior arm. Understanding this helps explain why lesions of the ulnar nerve particularly affect movements of the little finger.

The hypothenar muscles—the small group on the pinky side (abductor digiti minimi, flexor digiti minimi brevis, and opponens digiti minimi)—are supplied by the ulnar nerve, via its deep branch. This nerve specializes in motor innervation to the intrinsic hand muscles on the ulnar side, which is why the ulnar nerve is the correct choice. In contrast, the median nerve mainly supplies the thenar muscles (thumb side) and some of the lumbricals, the radial nerve handles the extensor/posterior forearm muscles, and the musculocutaneous nerve targets the anterior arm. Understanding this helps explain why lesions of the ulnar nerve particularly affect movements of the little finger.

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