Hand & Wrist
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Hand Anatomy Overview
The human hand is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. It plays a vital role in our daily activities, from performing intricate tasks to bearing weight.
Bones of the Hand
The hand consists of 27 bones. The wrist is composed of 8 carpal bones, connected to the radius and ulna of the forearm. These bones form the base for the 5 metacarpal bones in the palm, which are linked to each finger at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints, commonly referred to as the knuckles. The fingers have 3 phalanges each, while the thumb has 2, all connected by interphalangeal joints.
Soft Tissues
Soft tissues such as ligaments, tendons, and muscles support the bones of the hand. Ligaments provide stability to the joints, preventing abnormal movements, while tendons connect muscles to bones, enabling motion. Articular cartilage acts as a cushion at each joint, facilitating smooth movement. The hand has both intrinsic muscles (responsible for fine motor skills) and extrinsic muscles (controlling larger movements).
Nerves and Blood Supply
The hand’s nerves (ulnar, median, and radial) enable sensation and control movement. The ulnar nerve supplies the little finger and half of the ring finger, the median nerve provides sensation to most of the palm and fingers, and the radial nerve controls sensation in the back of the hand. Blood is supplied by the radial and ulnar arteries, ensuring proper circulation throughout the hand and fingers.
