The abductor pollicis brevis is a muscle located in the hand. It is one of several muscles that make up the thenar muscle group, which is responsible for moving the thumb. The abductor pollicis brevis muscle is responsible for abducting the thumb, which means it helps to move the thumb away from the palm and towards the top of the hand. This movement is important for grasping and holding objects.

The abductor pollicis brevis muscle is located in the thenar eminence, which is the fleshy area at the base of the thumb. It originates from the flexor retinaculum and the tubercles of the scaphoid and trapezium bones, and inserts onto the base of the proximal phalanx of the thumb.

One example of how the abductor pollicis brevis muscle is used is when you make a fist. To do this, you need to abduct your thumb away from your palm and towards your other fingers, which is facilitated by the abductor pollicis brevis muscle. This movement allows you to grip objects tightly and hold them securely.

Some other examples of use: