Palmar branch of ulnar nerve

Palmar branch of ulnar nerve is a branch of the ulnar nerve that supplies the skin on the medial (inner) side of the hand. It arises in the distal part of the forearm and passes superficially to the flexor retinaculum of the hand.

Etymology

The term "ulnar" is derived from the Latin word "ulna," which means "elbow." The ulnar nerve is so named because it runs along the ulna, one of the two bones of the forearm. The term "palmar" is derived from the Latin word "palma," which means "palm." The palmar branch of the ulnar nerve is so named because it supplies the palm of the hand.

Anatomy

The palmar branch of the ulnar nerve arises in the distal part of the forearm. It passes superficially to the flexor retinaculum of the hand, a fibrous band on the palmar side of the hand that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel. The nerve then divides into superficial and deep branches.

The superficial branch supplies the skin on the medial side of the hand, including the little finger and the medial half of the ring finger. The deep branch supplies the intrinsic muscles of the hand, which are involved in fine motor movements.

Clinical significance

Damage to the palmar branch of the ulnar nerve can result in sensory loss in the area of the hand that it supplies. This can occur as a result of trauma, such as a fracture of the ulna, or from compression of the nerve, such as in carpal tunnel syndrome.

Related terms

• Ulnar nerve
• Flexor retinaculum of the hand
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

See also

• Nervous system
• Peripheral nerve

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