Regions of hand

The regions of hand include the following:

Carpal region (wrist)

The carpal region represents the most proximal portion of the hand, functioning as a critical transitional zone between the forearm and hand proper. This region houses eight small carpal bones systematically arranged in two distinct rows.

Metacarpal region (palm/dorsum of hand)

The metacarpal region constitutes the structural foundation of the hand, housing five elongated metacarpal bones (numbered I through V from thumb to little finger). These bones establish crucial articulations.

This region forms the substantial framework of both the palm (volar surface) and the back of the hand (dorsal surface), providing the architectural base for hand function.

The palm is further subdivided into the thenar eminence (lateral, at the base of the thumb), the hypothenar eminence (medial, at the base of the little finger), and the central palmar region.

The dorsal hand is covered by thinner, more mobile skin and subcutaneous tissue, with the dorsal venous network and cutaneous branches of the radial and ulnar nerves providing sensation.

Phalangeal region (Digits/Fingers)

The phalangeal region encompasses the most distal aspect of the hand, containing 14 individual phalanges that construct the five digits. Each finger (excluding the thumb) has three phalanges (proximal, middle, and distal), while the thumb has two (proximal and distal).