What does ulnar deviation refer to in relation to hand movement?

Ulnar deviation refers to the movement of the wrist where the hand moves toward the little finger side. This movement occurs at the wrist joint and is specifically the result of the activation of the muscles that control the bending of the wrist toward the ulnar side, which is the side where the little finger is located.

Understanding this term is important in the context of anatomy and movement, particularly in fields such as physical therapy, sports medicine, and rehabilitation, where hand and wrist movements are critical to enhancing function and reducing injury risk. In clinical practice, recognizing ulnar deviation can help in diagnosing wrist conditions or assessing the effects of injuries on movement.