Hamulus

Hamulus is a small hook-like structure in the human body. There are two types of hamuli in the human body: the hamulus of hamate and the pterygoid hamulus.

Hamulus of Hamate

The hamulus of hamate is a hook-like structure on the hamate bone in the wrist. It is located on the palmar side of the hand and provides attachment for the flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle of the little finger. This muscle is responsible for flexing the little finger at the metacarpophalangeal joint. The hamulus of hamate can be palpated on the little finger side of the palm.

Pterygoid Hamulus

The pterygoid hamulus is a hook-like process located at the lower end of the medial pterygoid plate of the sphenoid bone. It acts as a pulley for the tendon of the tensor veli palatini muscle, which opens the Eustachian tube during swallowing or yawning to equalize pressure in the middle ear. The pterygoid hamulus can be palpated in the mouth on the inner side of the upper jaw.

Clinical Significance

Injury to the hamulus of hamate can cause ulnar nerve damage, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness in the little finger and ring finger. This condition is known as ulnar nerve entrapment.

The pterygoid hamulus can be a source of pain in the mouth and throat, especially when swallowing. This condition is known as hamular bursitis.

See Also

• Hamate bone
• Sphenoid bone
• Ulnar nerve entrapment
• Hamular bursitis

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Hamulus

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  Hamulus of hamate bone - animation