Opposable thumb
Opposable Thumb
The opposable thumb (/əˈpoʊzəbəl θʌm/) is a distinctive anatomical feature that sets primates apart from other mammals. It refers to the thumb's ability to be moved around to touch the other fingers, enabling the hand to grasp and handle objects. This is made possible by the unique structure of the thumb, which is shorter and set lower than the other fingers, allowing it to rotate in a way that the other fingers cannot.
Etymology
The term "opposable thumb" comes from the Latin opponere, meaning "to oppose" or "to set against". This refers to the thumb's ability to counter the movement of the other fingers, which is crucial for our ability to grasp and manipulate objects.
Related Terms
- Digit: A finger or toe in human beings or corresponding body part in other vertebrates.
- Primate: A mammal of an order that includes the lemurs, bushbabies, tarsiers, marmosets, monkeys, apes, and humans.
- Mammal: A warm-blooded vertebrate animal of a class that is distinguished by the possession of hair or fur, females that secrete milk for the nourishment of the young, and (typically) the birth of live young.
- Grasp: To seize and hold firmly.
- Manipulate: Handle or control (a tool, mechanism, information, etc.) in a skillful manner.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Opposable thumb
- Wikipedia's article - Opposable thumb
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