finger

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Figure 10: Photomicrograph of a vertical section of epidermis from a finger.

finger

anatomy

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June 26, 2026

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Figure 10: Photomicrograph of a vertical section of epidermis from a finger.

A finger is a grasping organ found at the end of the forelimb in certain vertebrates, characterized by its mobility and flexibility. In humans, fingers are crucial for manipulation, unlike in many other vertebrates where they are used for locomotion.1

Each finger consists of three phalanges, which are small bones. At the tip of each finger is a nail, a horny plate made of keratin that protects the finger and aids in manipulating small objects. The hand's intricate structure, with numerous small muscles, allows for fine motor coordination and complex tasks. The opposable thumb, unique to humans and great apes, is essential for grasping and handling objects.12345

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aye-aye
…hands are large, and its fingers, especially the third, are long and slender. The species possesses five fingers on each hand and a pseudo-thumb, a distinct bony digit that does not occur in any other primate. All the fingers have pointed claws, as do the toes except for the large…
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…hands are large, and its fingers, especially the third, are long and slender. The species possesses five fingers on each hand and a pseudo-thumb, a distinct bony digit that does not occur in any other primate. All the fingers have pointed claws, as do the toes except for the large…
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joint
Ellipsoid joint
…first phalanx of the second finger is a good example. It allows the finger to flex and extend, to swing toward or away from its neighbouring finger, and to swing forward with a slight amount of rotation.
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…first phalanx of the second finger is a good example. It allows the finger to flex and extend, to swing toward or away from its neighbouring finger, and to swing forward with a slight amount of rotation.
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body modifications and mutilations
The limbs and extremities
…of a phalanx or whole finger, usually as a form of sacrifice or in demonstration of mourning, was common among North American Indians, Australian Aborigines, San and Khoekhoe, Nicobarese, Tongans, Fijians, and some groups in New Guinea, South America, and elsewhere. Amputation of the toes was less common but occurred…
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…of a phalanx or whole finger, usually as a form of sacrifice or in demonstration of mourning, was common among North American Indians, Australian Aborigines, San and Khoekhoe, Nicobarese, Tongans, Fijians, and some groups in New Guinea, South America, and elsewhere. Amputation of the toes was less common but occurred…
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nail
…on the back of each finger and toe at its outer end. It corresponds to the claw, hoof, or talon of other vertebrates. The nail is a platelike, keratinous, translucent structure that consists of highly specialized epithelial cells. The nail grows from a deep groove in the dermis of the…
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…on the back of each finger and toe at its outer end. It corresponds to the claw, hoof, or talon of other vertebrates. The nail is a platelike, keratinous, translucent structure that consists of highly specialized epithelial cells. The nail grows from a deep groove in the dermis of the…
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Why does AI art screw up hands and fingers?
AI-generated hand might have nine fingers or fingers sticking out of its palm. In some images hands appear as if floating, unattached to a human body. Elsewhere, two or more hands are fused at the wrists.
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AI-generated hand might have nine fingers or fingers sticking out of its palm. In some images hands appear as if floating, unattached to a human body. Elsewhere, two or more hands are fused at the wrists.
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