The hand (Manus)

The hands consist of a large number of small bones, which are joined together by joints and allow for numerous movements. The complicated structure of the hand allows humans to make finely coordinated, highly complicated movements. This is due above all to the possibility of putting the thumb in opposition to the other fingers (opposition), turning the hand into a versatile tool. We differentiate between surface movements, marginal movements and combination movements of the hand.

The skeleton of the hand consists of eight carpal bones (ossa carpi), five metacarpal bones (ossa metacarpalia) and fourteen finger bones, which, apart from the thumb, each consist of a proximal, medial and distal phalanx (phalanx proximalis, media et distalis). The thumb has no medial phalanx.

 

Click on the image below for a 3D animation of the hand.

Please click on the images below for more information on the hand.