Anatomy of the Hand and Foot

Metacarpals and Phalanges

  • Metacarpals

    • There are 5 metacarpals in the palm (referred to as the carpus).

    • Each metacarpal is numbered 1-5, starting with the thumb as number 1, then:

    • Pointer Finger: 2

    • Middle Finger: 3

    • Ring Finger: 4

    • Pinky Finger: 5

  • Phalanges

    • There are 14 phalanges in total.

    • Each finger has 3 phalanges (proximal, middle, distal), except for the thumb which has only 2 (proximal and distal).

    • Thumb: 2 phalanges

    • Other Fingers: 3 phalanges each

Pelvis Anatomy

  • The pelvis consists of two bones fused at the middle.

  • Each hip bone is made up of 3 pieces:

    • Ilium: the broad flat piece at the top.

    • Pubis: the top bar of bone that completes the pelvic ring.

    • Ischium: the bottom ring of bone.

  • The pelvis connects to the lower limbs via strong ligaments.

    • Pubic Symphysis: cartilage joint at the bottom front for holding the hemipelvis together.

    • Obturator Foramen: hole at the bottom of the pelvic ring named after a nerve and an artery passing through it.

    • Greater Sciatic Notch: indentation where the largest nerve in the body (sciatic nerve) passes through. Found near the sacrum.

    • Iliac Fossa: depression on the ilium for the iliacus muscle.

    • Iliac Crest: ridge along the ilium.

    • Acetabulum: depression where the femur fits to create the hip joint

    • Anterior Superior Iliac Spine (ASIS): forward point on the ilium, with significant ligament attachment.

    • Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine (AIIS): lower bump on the ilium.

Lower Limb Anatomy

  • The lower limb includes the thigh, knee, lower leg, ankle, and foot.

  • Thigh: consisting entirely of the femur.

  • Leg: two bones:

    • Tibia: larger, called the shinbone.

    • Fibula: smaller bone located on the lateral side, does not participate in knee joint formation.

  • Foot: composed of several bones similar to the hand.

Femur Anatomy

  • Femur: The longest and strongest bone in the body.

  • Head: fits into the acetabulum to form the hip joint.

  • Neck: narrow portion beneath the head.

  • Linea Aspera: ridge along the back of the femoral shaft, for muscle attachment.

  • Condyles: rounded structures at the knee joint:

    • Medial Condyle

    • Lateral Condyle

  • Epicondyles: projections above the condyles for ligament attachment.

    • Medial Epicondyle

    • Lateral Epicondyle

  • Trochanters: projections for muscle attachment:

    • Greater Trochanter: located near the head.

    • Lesser Trochanter: located below the neck.

  • Patellar Surface: indentation for the patella (kneecap) to fit and move.

Tibia and Fibula Description

  • Tibia: shinbone with these important features:

    • Medial Malleolus: inner bulge at the ankle, identifiable as a ridge above the shoe.

    • Intercondylar Eminence: small projections between the condyles.

    • Tibial Tuberosity: bump for patellar ligament attachment.

    • Tibial Plateau: flat top surface for femur articulation.

    • Inferior Articular Surface: for ankle joint articulation with the talus.

  • Fibula: located on the lateral side, with these important features:

    • Head: connects to the tibia, forming the tibiofibular joint.

    • Neck: narrow section beneath the head.

    • Lateral Malleolus: bulge on the outer ankle.

Ankle Structure

  • The ankle is formed by three bones:

    • Tibia: connects with the talus.

    • Fibula: connects at the lateral side of the talus.

    • Talus: primary bone of the ankle joint.

    • The arrangement creates a functional ankle joint, facilitating movement

Foot Structure

  • The foot contains:

    • 7 Tarsals: major tarsals include:

    • Calcaneus: heel bone, bearing the weight of the body.

    • Talus: connects the leg to the foot.

    • Navicular: positioned in front of the talus.

    • Cuboid: connects from the midfoot to the lateral digits.

    • Cuneiform bones: include medial, intermediate, and lateral, connecting to digits 1-3.

    • 5 Metatarsals: similar to metacarpals.

    • 14 Phalanges: similar structure as in the hand:

    • Each toe has three phalanges except the big toe, which has two (proximal and distal).

Arches of the Foot

  • The arches are critical for weight distribution and shock absorption.

  • Flat Footedness: can lead to issues in arch formation and support.

  • The structure allows for flexibility during movement and aids in bearing the body’s weight while walking.

Important Notes for Lab Performances

  • Students are expected to identify major bones and landmarks by name.

  • Examination may include questions requiring knowledge of specific structures and their functions without visual aids.

  • Understanding anatomical terminology is essential for effective studying and identification of body structures in practicals.