Anat Biol Anthropol.  2021 Dec;34(4):137-141. 10.11637/aba.2021.34.4.137.

Distribution Patterns of the Deep Branch of the Ulnar Nerve into the Hypothenar Muscles

• Youn KH
• Kim HJ
• Kwak HH

• KMID: 2525642
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.11637/aba.2021.34.4.137

Abstract

Although some studies have examined the course of the deep branch of the ulnar nerve into the hypothenar muscles, the anatomic descriptions of the courses of the deep branch of the ulnar nerve are vary and the precise patterns of innervation to muscles is not well defined. A total of 40 hands from 26 preserved Korean cadavers were dissected. Branching patterns from the deep branch of the ulnar nerve into the hypothenar muscles ranged from one main branch to five main branches. In two of 40 specimens (5%), only one main branch from the deep branch of the ulnar nerve innervated into all the hypothenar muscles. 10 specimens had two main branches to supply the hypothenar muscles (25%). The most common number of main branches was three (22 specimens, 55%). The muscular branch to the abductor digiti minimi usually arose from the deep branch of the ulnar nerve (36 specimens, 90%). In three specimens, this branch arose from the furcation spot between the deep and superficial branches of the ulnar nerve, and the remaining one specimen had the branch arising from the superficial branches of the ulnar nerve. These results of the present study will provide a useful reference for clinical applications and surgical procedures of the hypothenar region.

Keyword

Deep branch of ulnar nerve; Hypothenar muscle; Branching pattern; Hand