Finger Anatomy Diagram

What is a Finger Anatomy Diagram?

A Finger Anatomy Diagram is a visual representation of the various structures and components of the human hand, wrist, and fingers. Healthcare professionals can use it to label and illustrate various parts of the hand and wrist.  The various parts include:

Bones

These are grouped into carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges (Wilhelmi, n.d.):

• Wrist bones: This is the most complex joint in the body, made up of 8 carpal bones grouped into two rows with restricted movement.
• Metacarpal bones: These connect the wrist to the finger; each hand has five metacarpal bones, with a shaft, base, neck, and head. The rounded shape of the metacarpal head forms the knuckle.
• Finger bones: Phalanges (or phalanx for plural) are the three bones in each finger. Each hand has 14 phalanges, with each finger containing three phalanges, except for the thumb, which only has two. The bone closest to the palm is the proximal phalanx; the second finger bone is the middle phalanx; and the smallest and farthest from the palm, stretching to the fingernail, is the distal phalanges.

Joints

Joints are formed where two or more bones meet; there are two thumb joints, and each finger has three joints. The metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint is at the finger's base, connecting the metacarpal and phalanges. The proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP joint) is in the middle of the finger, and the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP joint) is closest to the fingertip (American Society for Surgery of the Hand, n.d.).

Tendons

Tendons are bands of connective tissue that attach the muscle to the bone, enabling bone movement. The main tendons related to the fingers are the extensor tendons, which attach to the middle and dorsal phalanx and extend the wrist joints (Arthritis Foundation, n.d.). Nine flexor tendons pass through the carpal tunnel from the forearm to the wrist, separating in the palm. Two are associated with each finger, and one goes to the thumb.

Ligaments

Ligaments are rugged bands of connective tissue that connect the bones to support and stabilize. The main ligaments related to the fingers are the collateral ligaments located on either side of the finger and thumb, preventing sideways movement (Arthritis Foundation, n.d.). Further, the radial and ulnar collateral ligaments bind the bones of the wrist and provide stability.

How to use our Finger Anatomy Diagram template

The Finger Anatomy Diagram template provides healthcare professionals a simple diagram to understand finger anatomy.  

Step 1: Download the template

Access the Finger Anatomy Diagram template by clicking "Use template," allowing you to edit the resource via the Carepatron app. For a PDF copy, choose "Download."

Step 2: Familiarize yourself with the template

The template is designed to guide you through the Finger Anatomy Diagram. It includes labeled details of the bones, ligaments, and tendons related to the hand and wrist.

Step 3: Use the template in practice

You can use the template to develop your understanding and guide treatment options. It can also be used to develop patients' understanding of their injuries.

Benefits of using this diagram

A Finger Anatomy Diagram is a valuable tool for education, healthcare, and rehabilitation. It offers a clear visual representation of the finger's intricate structure. It enhances understanding by showcasing the relationships between bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments, making it straightforward for professionals to understand or assist in explaining conditions to patients.

It can guide rehabilitation, pinpoint affected areas, and track recovery progress. The diagram is also beneficial for injury prevention, educating individuals on vulnerable parts of the finger to encourage safer practices in sports, work, or daily activities. It can also be annotated to highlight injuries or create tailored exercise plans.

The importance of keeping fingers in good condition

Fingers are essential for functional living, with most everyday activities requiring use. Their intricate structure, combined with the wrist and hand, allows us to complete a wide range of simple and complex movements (Wilhelmi, n.d.). However, constant use and lack of protection put the fingers at a higher risk of traumatic injury and problems compared to other parts of the body.

Here's why maintaining finger health matters:

1. Functionality and dexterity

Fingers play a crucial role in fine motor skills, such as writing, typing, cooking, and using tools. A healthy finger allows precise movements in professional tasks such as playing instruments, sewing, and other crafts.

2. Grip strength and coordination

Strong, pain-free fingers are essential for grip strength, which enables you to lift, hold, or manipulate objects safely and effectively. There are two types of grips: the first is grip strength, for example, twisting the lid of a jar. The second type is precision, which involves using your fingers to move or touch a smaller object, for example, turning a key in a lock.

3. Injury prevention

Maintaining flexibility and strength in your fingers reduces the risk of injury; this supports you in pain-free living.  

What can negatively impact a finger's condition?

The fingers are essential for performing daily tasks. If any part of the hand isn't functioning properly, routine activities like bathing, cooking, and working can become significantly more challenging (Barhum, 2024).

Factors that can negatively impact a finger condition:

• Injuries and trauma: Cuts, fractures, swelling, and dislocations from accidents and impacts can cause structural damage.
• Repetitive strain and overuse: Repetitive tasks such as typing and using intricate tools excessively can lead to conditions such as trigger finger.
• Medical conditions: Medical conditions such as trigger finger, carpal tunnel syndrome, and osteoarthritis are examples of conditions that affect the ligaments, bones, and muscles in the fingers and hands (Rush, 2024).

Common finger-related issues

Injuries to fingers and hands are common, particularly for people who play sports or regularly use heavy equipment or tools (Rush, 2024). Pain in the hand and wrist can result from various impacts (Barhum, 2024).  The following are common finger-related issues:

• Osteoarthritis: This is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage of a joint wears down, causing stiffness, swelling, and pain (Rush, 2024). The index finger is most likely to develop this due to the pinch force used.
• Trigger finger: This condition causes the finger to lock or catch when moving it. It is caused by inflammation in the tendon at the base of the finger( Rush, 2024).
• Carpal tunnel syndrome: Causes compression or swelling of the carpal tunnel in the wrist, affecting the median, causing pain, tingling, and numbness in the fingers and hand (Rush, 2024).
• Injuries: Common injuries are sprains when the ligaments are stretched too far and dislocations when the finger joint is pushed out of alignment. Acute injuries and fractures are a result of direct impact. These are more common in older people due to their weakened bone strength (Barhum, 2024).

Treatment options for finger injuries

Treatment for conditions is based on the cause and symptoms. The typically used treatments for the common finger-related issues include (Rush, 2024):

• Trigger finger: In mild cases, typically, the finger needs to be rested and immobilized, often via a splint. For severe cases, steroid injections may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and pain. If other treatments are unsuccessful, surgery may be required.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome: Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Options include bracing the finger, physical therapy, pain relief, and steroid injections. If other treatments are unsuccessful, surgery may be required to relieve pressure.
• Osteoarthritis: Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, many treatment options can help improve mobility and relieve symptoms. Options include regular exercise and stretching, physical and occupational therapy, anti-inflammatory and steroid medication, and, in some cases, surgery.
• Injuries: Treatments vary depending on the severity of the injury. In sprains and dislocations, it is common to immobilize the finger, and rest and protection are recommended. The bone needs to be set and immobilized in acute injuries or fractures. Following this, strengthening and rehabilitation exercises will be recommended to restore skills for everyday activities.

References

American Society for Surgery of the Hand. (n.d.). Body anatomy: Upper extremity joints | the hand society. https://www.assh.org/handcare/safety/joints

Arthritis Foundation. (n.d.). Hand and wrist anatomy. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/where-it-hurts/hand-and-wrist-anatomy

Barhum, L. (2024, November 2). Everything to know about the finger joints. Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/finger-joints-5116291

Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Anatomy of the hand & wrist: Bones, muscles & ligaments. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/25060-anatomy-of-the-hand-and-wrist

Rush, T. (2019, April). Causes and treatment of finger pain. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324845#medical-conditions

Wilhelmi, B. (2024, November 12). Hand anatomy: Overview, bones, skin. Medscape. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1285060-overview#a2?form=fpf