Question

the function of the lumbiricals in the foot is similar to their counterparts in the hand. Use this information to determine the function of these muscles 210 (12)

Answer 1

The lumbricals are intrinsic muscles of the hand that flex the metacarpophalangeal joints and extend the interphalangeal joints. The lumbrical muscles of the foot also have a similar action, though they are of less clinical concern.

The lumbricals are four, small, worm-like muscles on each hand. These muscles are unusual in that they do not attach to bone.

The first and second lumbricals (the most radial two) are innervated by the median nerve. The third and fourth lumbricals (most ulnar two) are innervated by the ulnar nerve.

Four separate sources supply blood to these muscles: the superficial palmar arch, the common palmar digital artery, the deep palmar arch, and the dorsal digital artery.

The lumbrical muscles, with the help of the interosseous muscles, simultaneously flex the metacarpophalangeal joints while extending both interphalangeal joints of the digit on which it inserts. The lumbricals are used during an upstroke in writing.