Abstract
The anatomy of the fingertip is complex as it is such a specialized anatomical area. The skeletal, vascular, nervous, soft tissue, and cutaneous anatomies are discussed, including the highly developed nail complex. The basis for understanding of function and pathology of the fingertip is dependent upon a basic understanding of its anatomy and physiology.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsReferences
Gigis PI, Kuczynski K. The distal interphalangeal joints of human fingers. J Hand Surg Am. 1982;7(2):176–82. (Epub 1982/03/01).
de Berker D. Nail anatomy. Clin Dermatol. 2013;31(5):509–15. (Epub 2013/10/02).
Johnson M, Comaish JS, Shuster S. Nail is produced by the normal nail bed: a controversy resolved. Br J Dermatol. 1991;125(1):27–9. (Epub 1991/07/01).
De Berker D, Mawhinney B, Sviland L. Quantification of regional matrix nail production. Br J Dermatol. 1996;134(6):1083–6. (Epub 1996/06/01).
Johnson M, Shuster S. Continuous formation of nail along the bed. Br J Dermatol. 1993;128(3):277–80. (Epub 1993/03/01).
Lewin K. The normal finger nail. Br J Dermatol. 1965;77(8):421–30. (Epub 1965/08/01).
Lewis BL. Microscopic studies of fetal and mature nail and surrounding soft tissue. AMA Arch Derm Syphilol. 1954;70(6):733–47. (Epub 1954/12/01).
Zook EG. Anatomy and physiology of the perionychium. Clin Anat. 2003;16(1):1–8. (Epub 2002/12/18).
Smith DO, Oura C, Kimura C, Toshimori K. Artery anatomy and tortuosity in the distal finger. J Hand Surg Am. 1991;16(2):297–302. (Epub 1991/03/01).
Strauch B, de Moura W. Arterial system of the fingers. J Hand Surg Am. 1990;15(1):148–54. (Epub 1990/01/01).
Chaudakshetrin P, Kumar VP, Satku K, Pho RW. The arteriovenous pattern of the distal digital segment. J Hand Surg Br. 1988;13(2):164–6. (Epub 1988/05/01).
Inoue H. Three-dimensional observations of microvasculature of human finger skin. Hand. 1978;10(2):144–9. (Epub 1978/06/01).
Smith DO, Oura C, Kimura C, Toshimori K. The distal venous anatomy of the finger. J Hand Surg Am. 1991;16(2):303–7. (Epub 1991/03/01).
Gorgas K, Bock P, Tischendorf F, Curri SB. The fine structure of human digital arterio-venous anastomoses (Hoyer-Grosser’s organs). Anat Embryol. 1977;150(3):269–89. (Epub 1977/05/12).
Wilgis EF, Maxwell GP. Distal digital nerve grafts: clinical and anatomical studies. J Hand Surg Am. 1979;4(5):439–43. (Epub 1979/09/01).
Bas H, Kleinert JM. Anatomic variations in sensory innervation of the hand and digits. J Hand Surg Am. 1999;24(6):1171–84. (Epub 1999/12/10).
Provitera V, Nolano M, Pagano A, Caporaso G, Stancanelli A, Santoro L. Myelinated nerve endings in human skin. Muscle Nerve. 2007;35(6):767–75. (Epub 2007/04/04).
Vallbo AB, Johansson RS. Properties of cutaneous mechanoreceptors in the human hand related to touch sensation. Hum Neurobiol. 1984;3(1):3–14. (Epub 1984/01/01).
Montagna W. Morphology of cutaneous sensory receptors. J Invest Dermatol. 1977;69(1):4–7. (Epub 1977/07/01).
Barron JN. The structure and function of the skin of the hand. Hand. 1970;2(2):93–6. (Epub 1970/09/01).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2015 Springer International Publishing Switzerland
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Shores, J. (2015). Anatomy and Physiology of the Fingertip. In: Rozmaryn, L. (eds) Fingertip Injuries. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-13227-3_1
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-13227-3_1
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-13226-6
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-13227-3
eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)