title: Anatomy and function of lumbrical muscles.
abstract: The lumbrical muscles are unique in having their origin and insertion on tendons. The lumbricals assist in metacarpophalangeal joint flexion; they contribute to interphalangeal joint extension by acting as deflexors of the proximal interphalangeal joint. Anatomically, they are highly specialized in terms of their architectural properties, with a small physiologic cross-sectional area but long fiber length. Their unique properties indicate that they are probably important in fast, alternating movements and fine-tuning digit motion.
authors: Department of Hand Surgery, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel.
authors: Ram
authors: R
authors: Palti
authors: Mordechai
authors: M
authors: Vigler
mesh_terms: D005384:Finger Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D006225:Hand / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology*; D013710:Tendons / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology*