What action do the dorsal interossei assist with besides finger abduction?

The dorsal interossei muscles are primarily known for their role in finger abduction, which is the action of moving the fingers away from the midline of the hand. However, they also play a crucial role in finger adduction. This is somewhat counterintuitive, as one might assume that abduction and adduction are mutually exclusive actions.

The reason the dorsal interossei assist with adduction is due to their anatomical position. These muscles are located between the metacarpal bones and have tendons that attach to the extensor expansions of the fingers. When the fingers are positioned in a certain way, the dorsal interossei can help stabilize the fingers and bring them together, particularly in combination with the palmar interossei, which are responsible for adduction. Thus, their involvement in adduction, despite being referred to primarily in the context of abduction, emphasizes the integrated function of the intrinsic muscles of the hand during various movements.

The other choices, including wrist extension, wrist flexion, and thumb opposition, do not align with the function of the dorsal interossei. These muscles do not contribute to movements of the wrist or the thumb; instead, they are specifically designed for the intricate movements required for finger adjustments and