Hand anatomy

Hand Anatomy

The hand (/hænd/; from Old English hand, hond) is a prehensile, multi-fingered appendage located at the end of the forearm or forelimb of primates such as humans, chimpanzees, monkeys, and lemurs.

Etymology

The word "hand" comes from the Old English hand, hond, which is of Germanic origin. The exact origins of the word are unknown, but it is believed to have been used in reference to the body part since at least the 12th century.

Structure

A typical human hand consists of the following parts:

• Wrist: The wrist is a complex joint that bridges the hand to the forearm. It is capable of movement in two planes.
• Palm: The palm is the central region of the anterior part of the hand, located superficially to the metacarpus.
• Fingers: The fingers are the long, thin, articulated parts of the hand, of which humans typically have five.
• Thumb: The thumb is the first digit of the hand, set apart and opposable to the other four fingers.

Function

The hand has many functions, including grasping, manipulating objects, and non-verbal communication. It is also used in a variety of symbolic and cultural contexts.

Related Terms

• Phalanges: The bones of the fingers and thumb.
• Metacarpals: The five bones in the palm of the hand.
• Carpals: The eight small bones that make up the wrist.

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