Which nerve innervates the muscles of the hypothenar eminence?

The muscles of the hypothenar eminence, which include the abductor digiti minimi, flexor digiti minimi, and opponens digiti minimi, are specifically innervated by the ulnar nerve. This nerve supplies the intrinsic muscles of the hand, particularly those located in the hypothenar region.

The ulnar nerve branches off from the medial cord of the brachial plexus and travels along the medial side of the forearm and into the hand. Its primary role in this context is to control the fine motor movements of the little finger and contribute to grasp functions by innervating the small muscles that are essential for these actions.

In contrast, the median nerve mainly innervates the thenar muscles (those associated with the thumb) and some of the flexor muscles in the forearm. The radial nerve is primarily responsible for innervating the extensor muscles of the arm and forearm and does not play a role in the hypothenar eminence. Therefore, the ulnar nerve's specific role in supporting the musculature of the hypothenar eminence establishes it as the correct choice for this question.