Finger numbering

Finger numbering is a system used to identify and differentiate the digits of the human hand. This system is widely used in various fields such as medicine, music, and sports. The numbering system varies depending on the context, but the most common system used in medicine and anatomy is the radial-ulnar system.

Radial-Ulnar System

In the radial-ulnar system, the thumb is numbered as 1, the index finger as 2, the middle finger as 3, the ring finger as 4, and the little finger as 5. This system is named after the two bones of the forearm, the radius and the ulna, with the thumb side being radial and the little finger side being ulnar.

File:Radial-Ulnar System.png

The radial-ulnar system of finger numbering.

Other Systems

In some fields, different finger numbering systems are used. For example, in music, especially for string instruments, the thumb is often not numbered, and the index finger starts as 1.

Clinical Significance

Finger numbering is used in clinical settings to accurately describe injuries, deformities, or conditions affecting specific fingers. For example, a fracture in the 3rd finger refers to a fracture in the middle finger.

See Also

• Hand
• Finger
• Thumb
• Index finger
• Middle finger
• Ring finger
• Little finger