A Biomechanical and Evolutionary Perspective on the Function of the Lumbrical Muscle

Abstract

The lumbrical muscles of the hand originate from the flexor digitorum profundus tendons and insert onto the lateral band of the extensor tendons. Owing to these movable attachments, the function of this muscle is difficult to visualize. To better determine the function of this muscle, we considered its relative anatomy, biomechanical characteristics, and evolution. With the smallest physiological cross-sectional area in the upper extremity, the lumbrical muscles have weak motor function, which is only 1/10 of the interosseous muscle. Because they are spindle rich, the lumbrical muscles play an important role in the sensory feedback of the distal interphalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and metacarpophalangeal joints of the fingers. The first 2 lumbrical muscles have lower variation in anatomy and higher density of muscle spindles compared to the ulnar 2 lumbricals. In addition, the index and middle finger lumbrical muscles are innervated by the median nerve, which also innervates the thenar muscles of the thumb. Therefore, it is possible that the first 2 lumbricals are functionally more important than the 2 ulnar lumbricals, specifically for precision pinch movements.