Knuckle

Knuckle is a term referring to the joints of the fingers, which are brought into prominence when the hand is clenched and a fist is made. The word is cognate to similar words in other Germanic languages, such as the Dutch "knokkel" or German "Knöchel", i.e., Knöchlein, the diminutive of the German word for bone (Knochen).

Anatomy

A knuckle is a joint in the fingers and toes of humans and many other animals. It can refer to any joint in the fingers or toes, but is most commonly used to refer to the joints connecting the fingers to the rest of the hand.

The knuckles are formed by the metacarpophalangeal joints (MCP) and the interphalangeal joints (IP) of the hand. The MCP joints are the large joints that connect the fingers to the hand, and are responsible for the majority of the hand's movement. The IP joints are smaller and are responsible for the fine-tuning movements of the fingers.

Health and medical implications

Knuckles can be affected by diseases such as arthritis and gout. Injuries to the knuckles can also occur, often as a result of physical activities such as sports or falls.

Cracking knuckles is a common habit for many people. It involves bending the fingers backwards or sideways to create a popping sound. This sound is caused by the rapid movement of gas bubbles in the synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints. Despite common myths, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that cracking knuckles causes arthritis or other long-term health problems.

Cultural significance

In many cultures, the act of clenching one's fist and displaying the knuckles can be a sign of aggression or defiance. In contrast, showing the back of the hand can be a sign of submission or fear.

See also

• Finger
• Joint
• Arthritis
• Gout

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