What is the primary function of the ulnar nerve?

The primary function of the ulnar nerve involves providing sensation to the medial aspect of the hand, specifically the little finger and half of the ring finger, along with some areas of the palm. This sensory distribution is crucial for tactile sensation and fine motor tasks that involve these fingers. Additionally, the ulnar nerve plays a key role in innervating certain intrinsic muscles of the hand, which are important for movements such as grasping and manipulating objects.

Understanding the ulnar nerve's function in sensation can help clarify its importance in both clinical assessments and everyday activities, as damage to this nerve can lead to numbness or weakness in the areas it supplies. Recognizing the roles of other nerves, such as those responsible for sensation in the lateral forearm or motor function to the biceps and quadriceps, further underscores the specific anatomical and functional focus of the ulnar nerve.