Which nerve innervates the pinky finger?

The ulnar nerve is responsible for innervating the pinky finger, which is also known as the fifth digit. This nerve originates from the medial cord of the brachial plexus and travels down the arm into the hand. The ulnar nerve primarily innervates the intrinsic muscles of the hand, including those responsible for the movements of the pinky, such as the abductor digiti minimi and the flexor digiti minimi.

This innervation allows the pinky to perform actions like gripping and coordination with the other fingers. The ulnar nerve also provides sensory innervation to the medial side of the hand and the pinky finger itself, contributing to the ability to feel touch and other sensations in that area.

Other nerves listed, like the radial and median nerves, have distinct functions and territories. The radial nerve is primarily involved in the extension of the forearm and the hand, while the median nerve is involved with the thumb and fingers adjacent to the pinky but does not innervate the pinky. The femoral nerve, on the other hand, is not involved in the upper limb at all, as it supplies the anterior compartment of the thigh.