The Hand and Wrist- Structure and Function

The Hand - It’s Role u Prehension - Opposition of the thumb u Effector organ of the upper limb u Very sensitive and accurate sensory receptor u Communicates with the brain about thickness and distance u Stereognosis

Prehension u Gripping ability u Tarsier can grip with tail and hand

Braciation u Upper limb used as a means of locomotion

The Radiocarpal joint u 1. Articulation between the lower end of the radius and the proximal row of carpal bones u 2.Intercarpal joints

The carpal bones u Bones in the shape of a gutter u Concave anteriorly u Flexor retinaculum forms a tunnel - carpal tunnel

The muscles of the wrist Anterior aspect u flexor carpi radialis u palmaris longus u flexor carpi ulnaris u flexor digitorum profundus u flexor digitorum superficialis u flexor pollicis longus

The muscles of the wrist Posterior aspect u extensor carpi ulnaris u extensor carpi radialis brevis u extensor carpi radialis longus

Regions of the hand - functionally divided u The thumb - opposition u The index and middle finger u The ring and little fingers

Muscles of the Hypothenar Eminence

Muscle of the Hypothenar eminence u Flexor digiti minimi u Adductor digiti minimi u Opponens digiti minimi

Muscles of the thenar eminence Extrinsic muscles u Abductor pollicis longus u Extensor pollicis brevis u Extensor pollicis longus Intrinsic muscles u Flexor pollicis brevis u Opponens pollicis u Abductor pollicis u Abductor pollicis brevis u Anterior interosseus u Adductor pollicis

The intrinsic muscles of the hand u Lumbricals (2nd-5th finger) attachments on the tendons of flexor digitorum profundus insert onto extensor apponeurosis u Interossei dorsal abduct (dab) palmar adduct (pad)