What muscles does the median nerve innervate?

The median nerve is primarily responsible for innervating specific muscles in the forearm and hand. It innervates most of the forearm flexors, which are crucial for the flexion of the wrist and fingers. In particular, it affects muscles such as the flexor carpi radialis, flexor digitorum superficialis, and certain deep flexors like the flexor digitorum profundus for the index and middle fingers.

Additionally, the median nerve innervates the muscles of the thenar eminence, which are crucial for thumb movements, including opposition, abduction, and flexion. These muscles enable fine motor skills that are important for grasping and manipulating objects.

This combination of innervation makes the median nerve essential for functions that involve grasping and fine motor skills in the hand.