title: Versatile but temperamental: a morphological study of palmaris longus in the cadaver.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Palmaris longus (PL) is one of the most variable muscles in our body and is vestigial functionally. Its long tendon and its superficial location make it an ideal source for tendon harvesting. Variations such as absence, duplication and reversal have far reaching clinical impact. The aim of this study is to estimate the presence, variants and nerve supply of the PL.
  
  
  METHODS
  Upper extremity of 24 cadavers was dissected and PL was examined. The results were compared to other studies on the PL and literature survey was carried out.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty nine specimens showed normal morphology and four showed complete agenesis. Other morphological variations seen included - reversed, hybrid, fusiform, fleshy and bifurcated tendon of insertion.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Every surgeon must be aware of the variations of the versatile but temperamental PL. Prior knowledge of the layout of the muscle helps in planning intricate surgeries to which this tendon is put use to.
authors: Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Amrita School of Medicine, AIMS, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham , Ponekara Kochi, Kerala, India .
authors: Asha Joselet
authors: AJ
authors: Mathew
authors: Lecturer, Department of Anatomy, Amrita School of Medicine, AIMS, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham , Ponekara Kochi, Kerala, India .
authors: Tintu Thottiyil
authors: TT
authors: Sukumaran
authors: Lecturer, Department of Anatomy, Amrita School of Medicine, AIMS, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham , Ponekara Kochi, Kerala, India .
authors: Susan
authors: S
authors: Joseph
keywords: Accessory palmaris longus; Agenesis; Duplicated palmaris longus; Hybrid; Palmaris longus; Reversed palmaris longus; Tendon harvesting