Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The opponens pollicis muscle is primarily responsible for thumb opposition due to its unique positioning and function. This muscle is located in the thenar eminence at the base of the thumb and acts to draw the thumb across the palm towards the little finger. This motion is crucial for grasping and pinching actions, allowing for greater dexterity and manipulation of objects.

While the other muscles listed have their roles in thumb movement, they do not perform the specific action of opposition. The abductor pollicis muscle is primarily responsible for abducting the thumb away from the palm. The flexor pollicis muscle aids in flexing the thumb at the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints, while the extensor pollicis muscle is involved in extending the thumb. Each of these muscles contributes to the overall function of the thumb, but the distinct action of opposition is solely attributed to the opponens pollicis muscle. This specialization makes it integral to the functional capabilities of the hand.