The Incidenceof Agenesis of Palmaris Longus Muscle and the Frequency of Left-Handedness among Adult Ijawsinbayelsa Nigeria

This study was carried out to determine the incidence of agenesis of Palmaris longus muscle and the frequency of left handed individuals among the Ijaw ethnic group in Bayelsa State in Nigeria. A check on the incidence of agenesis was carried out on adult males and females on both hands by inspection. The flexor tendon was made prominence by flexing thumb and placing it on the little finger. The check on frequency of left handedness was done by noting the hand the subjects use to write. Results showed that the overall incidence was found to be 1.6 (16 in 1000 subjects). The incidence was on both hands (right and left). The result from the second study shows that 7.6% (76 in 1000 subjects) of Ijaws in bayelsa state are left handed. The incidence of agenesis of Palmaris longus muscle occurs more in the left hand than the right hand and more prevalent among the occidentals than the Orientals. It was also observed that the frequency of left handedness among the Ijaws was minimal.