The Pollex (Thumb): Anatomy and Unique Mobility
The pollex is the anatomical term for the thumb.
- First (innermost) and shortest metacarpal bone.
- Two joints: carpometacarpal (CMC, saddle joint) and interphalangeal (IP).
- CMC joint allows opposition, circumduction, flexion/extension, abduction/adduction – enabling precision grip and power grasp.
- Innervated primarily by median nerve (C6–T1).
Its exceptional mobility distinguishes human hand function.
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