Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The thenar eminence is the rounded group of muscles on the palm side of the human hand, just below the thumb. These muscles are primarily responsible for the movement and strength of the thumb.
Related terms
Opponens Pollicis: A muscle in the thenar group that enables the thumb to touch the fingertips by rotating it towards the palm.
Abductor Pollicis Brevis: This muscle helps in moving the thumb away from the palm, aiding in grasping and manipulation tasks.
Flexor Pollicis Brevis: A muscle that assists in bending (flexing) the thumb towards the palm, contributing to a strong grip