Parts of a Hand

Hands are made up of more bones and moving parts than most other areas of the body. When they’re healthy, these parts all work together. They do a large number of tasks. Hands can make very delicate movements. They can also do tasks that need great strength.

Front and back view of hand showing anatomy.

Palm view of hand showing palmar fascia.

Bones. These are hard tissues that give your hand shape and stability.

Phalanges. These are the finger bones.

Metacarpals. These are the middle part of the hand bones.

Carpals. These are the wrist bones.

Joints. These are places where bones fit together, allowing movement.

Ligaments. These are soft tissues that connect bone to bone and stabilize your joints.

Muscles. These are soft tissues that tighten and relax to move your hand.

Synovial lining. This makes the fluid inside your joints that helps make movement smooth.

Volar plates. These are hard tissues that stabilize the joints, keeping fingers from bending backward.

Tendon sheaths. These are fluid-filled tubes that surround, protect, and guide the tendons.

Tendons. These are cord-like soft tissues that connect muscle to bone.

Blood vessels. These carry blood to and from your hand.

Nerves. These send and receive messages, allowing you to feel and direct movement.

Palmar fascia. This is a firm layer of soft tissue that stabilizes the palm of your hand.

Parts of a Hand

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