Dorsal interossei

Definition

The dorsal interossei are four muscles located in the hand, between the metacarpal bones, responsible for abducting (moving away) the fingers from the hand's midline and also assist in finger flexion at the metacarpophalangeal joints and extension at the interphalangeal joints. They play a crucial role in fine motor movements and dexterity of the hand.

Related terms

Metacarpophalangeal joints: These are flexible hinge joints between the metacarpal bones of the hand and the proximal phalanges of the fingers, allowing movement such as bending and straightening of the fingers.

Abduction:

In anatomical terms, abduction refers to the movement of a limb or other part away from the midline of the body or from another part; when applied to fingers, it is their movement away from each other.

Fine motor skills: These are small movements made with fingers, toes, wrists, lips, and tongue, such as picking up small objects between thumb and finger, that require coordination between muscles and neurologic systems