Hands

Hands

Hands are a part of the human body that are used for many different tasks. They are made up of the palm, the thumb, and the fingers. The human hand has 27 bones, not including the sesamoid bone, the number of which varies between people. The 14 digital bones are the metacarpals (five for each hand) and the phalanges (two for the thumb, and three for each finger). The hands are the main structures for physically manipulating the environment, used for both gross motor skills (such as grasping a large object) and fine motor skills (such as picking up a small pebble).

Anatomy of the Hand

The hand is divided into several distinct anatomical sections. The wrist, which is technically part of the hand, is a complex joint that bridges the gap between the forearm and the hand. The palm is the central region of the anterior part of the hand. The fingers are the four long appendages that are attached to the palm, and the thumb is a shorter, thicker appendage that is opposable to the fingers.

Bones

The bones of the hand provide its rigid framework. They form a number of joints that allow the hand to be extremely flexible. The bones are also responsible for the hand's strength and precision.

Muscles

The muscles of the hand are responsible for its movement. They are divided into two main groups: the extrinsic muscles, which originate in the forearm, and the intrinsic muscles, which originate in the hand itself.

Nerves

The nerves of the hand provide it with sensation and motor control. They are divided into three main groups: the radial nerve, the median nerve, and the ulnar nerve.

Functions of the Hand

The hand is used for many different tasks. It is used for grasping and manipulating objects, for touching and feeling, and for gesturing and communicating.

Diseases and Disorders

There are many diseases and disorders that can affect the hand. These include arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and Dupuytren's contracture.

See Also

• Finger
• Thumb
• Wrist
• Palm
• Metacarpals
• Phalanges