Oblique head:

Proximal attachments
Bases of the second and third metacarpals and their adjacent carpal bones; trapezoid and capitate.

Distal attachments
Through the ulnar sesamoid over the metacarpophalangeal joint to the ulnar side of the base of the
proximal phalanx and to the extensor apparatus.

Transverse head:
Proximal attachments
Palmar surface of the third metacarpal.

Distal attachments
Through the ulnar sesamoid over the metacarpophalangeal joint to the ulnar side of the base of the
proximal phalanx.

Surface anatomy – palpation

Proximal (origin): the origin on the second and third metacarpals is deep to the flexor tendons and
cannot be palpated. The distal edge of the muscle can be clearly palpated as it crosses the first web
space.

Distal (insertion): the insertion of the adductor pollicis on the ulnar side of the proximal phalanx has a
short tendinous insertion which is difficult to differentiate from the muscle belly.