Palm
Palm (Anatomy)
Palm (/pɑːm/), in anatomy, refers to the inner aspect of the hand, extending from the wrist to the bases of the fingers.
Etymology
The term "palm" comes from the Latin palma, which was used to refer to the flat of the hand. It is also related to the Latin palmus, meaning "broad", in reference to the broad, flat shape of the hand.
Anatomy
The palm is made up of five metacarpal bones, which are connected to the wrist at one end and the fingers at the other. The skin of the palm is thick and hairless, with unique ridges and patterns that form an individual's fingerprints.
The palm contains several important structures, including:
- Flexor tendons: These tendons connect the muscles of the forearm to the bones of the fingers and thumb, allowing for movement.
- Thenar eminence: This is the fleshy mass at the base of the thumb, made up of three short muscles that control thumb movement.
- Hypothenar eminence: This is the fleshy mass at the base of the little finger, made up of three short muscles that control little finger movement.
Related Terms
- Carpal tunnel: A narrow passageway in the wrist, through which the median nerve and flexor tendons pass.
- Dupuytren's contracture: A condition that causes one or more fingers to bend into the palm of the hand.
- Palmoplantar keratoderma: A group of skin conditions characterized by thickening of the skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Palm
- Wikipedia's article - Palm
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