Anatomy of the hand and arm
Nail growth Nails are protective structures on the end joints of fingers and toes which develop from the skin/Epidermis. Each nail is a curved sheet of protein called keratin (the epidermal cells have died and hardened, due to this protein being added. This process is called keratinisation The cells grow from the matrix (mitosis)where they die and harden (keratinisation)the matrix forms the shape and thickness of the nail. The cuticle protects the nail from infection. Average weekly growth of nails is 1mm. From the matrix to the free edge it can take up to 6 months. Main causes of nail defects/poor growth are : Mechanical damage, illness and infections, medication, poor diet, age –cellular regeneration declines with age and poor circulation
Anatomy of the nail Cuticle Free edge Nail Plate Lunula Nail wall
Nail Anatomy
Anatomy of the Nail Cuticle – a barrier around the nail plate to protect the matrix and prevent bacteria from entering. Free edge – the white part of the nail which grows up and is seen over the top of the finger when the palm is facing you Nail plate – the tough protective coating of cells on top of the nail bed, which we then paint with nail polishes. Lunula – often called the half moon its the visible part of the matrix found at the base.
Anatomy of the nail
Bones
Bones of the arm and hand
Bones of the wrist (carpals)
Muscles
Muscles of the arm and hand
Muscles of the lower arm and hand These group of muscles are collectively known as : Flexors Extensors ystem/menu/menu.htmls
Flexor Reticulum Brachialis Flexes forearm at elbow
Brachioradialis
Pronator Teres
Extensor digitorum
Palmaris longus
Flexor digitorum superficialis
Flexor carpi radialis
Flexor carpi ulnaris
Extensor carpi radialis longus
Flexor pollicis longus
Opponens pollicis This muscle form the padded part of the palm, close to the thumb
Blood supply to arm and hand
Lymphatic vessels to the arm and hand Supratrochlear glands The sub –clavicular glands are situated beneath the clavicle, which would be here, if they lie above the clavicla they are known as supra- clavicular nodes. For you to research
Useful links for anatomy of hand and arm
Anatomy of the foot and leg
Bones of the leg and foot
Muscles of the leg
Blood supply to leg and foot Internal iliac artery is located towards the pelvis and buttocks Profunda femoris vessels are located by the hip joint For you to research
Lymphatic vessels to leg and foot The lymphatic system is designed to carry fats, fight infection and distribute water. For you to research: Subinguinal glands, lymphatic vessels of the lower limbs superficial and deep.