The ulnar nerve, an extension of the medial cord of the brachial plexus, is a mixed nerve (both motor and sensory) that supplies hand muscles and medial aspect of the skin of the hand. The ulnar nerve and median nerve are responsible for the supply of flexor muscles and skin of the hand. These nerves […]
Anatomy
Phalanx of Hand – Anatomy and Function
Phalanx [plural phalanges] is a tubular bone present in hand and foot and form digits [fingers and toes]. In this article, we discuss the phalanges of the hand. There are five digits in each hand – four finger and one thumb. All fingers have three phalanges distal, middle and proximal. Thumb has only proximal and […]
Flexor Retinaculum of Hand and Foot
Flexor retinaculum of hand is a fibrous band that is present in the flexor aspect of wrist and flexor aspect of the ankle. Flexor retinaculum of the hand is also called transverse carpal ligament or anterior annular ligament. It is a strong, fibrous band, that arches over the wrist region and converts the deep groove […]
Osteon or Haversian System and Its Significance
The osteon is the basic building block and fundamental functional unit of compact bone. It is also called a Haversian system, named after Clopton Havers, an English physician who worked extensively on the microstructure of the bone. Structurally, osteons are roughly cylindrical structures which are several millimeters long and around 0.2 mm in diameter. Structure […]
Anatomical Snuffbox Anatomy and Significance
The anatomical snuffbox is a triangular deepening on the dorsoradial aspect of the hand at the level of the carpal bones. It is visible with ulnar deviation of the wrist and extension and abduction of the thumb. The name snuffbox is derived because this depression was used as a means of placement for the inhalation […]
Pars interarticularis Anatomy and Significance
What is Pars Interarticularis? The Pars Interarticularis is a special region of the lamina between the superior and inferior articular processes. The term literally means part between the articulations in Latin language and is kind of bony bridge that joins these two upper and lower facets. Thus one vertebral has two pars interarticularis. Thus facet […]
Axis or Second Cervical Vertebra [C2]
Axis is the second vertebra of the spine and is also called C2 bone vertebra. It articulates with C1 or atlas vertebra above and C3 vertebra below. The axis is an atypical cervical vertebra like atlas and vertebra prominens or C7 vertebra. It forms a pivot for atlas to rotate providing greater range of motion […]
Atlas or First Cervical Vertebra [C1]
Atlas is the first cervical vertebra that sits just below the skull. It is also called C1 vertebra. Along with axis, the second vertebra and C7, it falls into the group of atypical cervical vertebrae. Atypical because these have unique features. Axis and C7 or vertebra prominens are discussed separately. Atlas is unique in its […]
Vertebra Prominens or Seventh Cervical Vertebra [C7]
Vertebra prominens is the common name for 7th cervical vertebra or C7, the largest and most inferior vertebra of the cervical region of the spine. It is named because it has a large spinous process that protrudes posteriorly and can be felt prominently on palpation. Vertebra prominens is easily recognized on palpation of the back of […]
Anatomy of Cauda Equina
The cauda equina is a structure within the lower end of the spinal column of most vertebrates, that consists of nerve roots and rootlets from above[from second lumbar to coccygeal nerve] which originate in the conus medullaris of the spinal cord. Cauda equina is named so because it resembles horse’s tail. In humans, the spinal […]