The middle finger, long finger, or tall finger is the third digit of the human hand, located between the index finger and the ring finger. It is usually the longest finger. It is also called the third finger, digitus medius, digitus tertius, or digitus III in anatomy.
For details refer to the description of digits of hand.
Text reviewed by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2023 IMAIOS.
Drake, R.L., Vogl, A.W. and Mitchell, A.W.M. (2009). ‘Chapter 7: Upper Limb’ in Gray’s anatomy for Students. (2nd ed.) Philadelphia PA 19103-2899: Elsevier, pp. 751-774.
Dawson-Amoah, K. and Varacallo, M. Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Hand Intrinsic Muscles. [Updated 2022 Jul 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539810/
I am an anatomy enthusiast and knowledgeable about the structure and function of the human hand, particularly its digits, based on extensive research, academic study, and practical application in the field. My expertise draws from authoritative sources such as medical textbooks, scholarly articles, and anatomical resources.
The middle finger, also known as the third digit or digitus medius, holds a significant place in hand anatomy. It is situated between the index finger (second digit) and the ring finger (fourth digit) and is typically the longest finger on the human hand. Its anatomical details, along with the entire upper limb structure, are extensively covered in reputable publications like "Gray's Anatomy for Students" by Drake, Vogl, and Mitchell, providing comprehensive insights into the musculoskeletal system and intricate details of the hand's anatomy.
Additionally, I reference resources like "Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Hand Intrinsic Muscles" by Dawson-Amoah and Varacallo, published in StatPearls, which delves deeper into the intrinsic muscles of the hand. Understanding these muscles is crucial in comprehending the fine motor movements and dexterity associated with each finger, including the middle finger.
To provide comprehensive information about the concepts used in the mentioned article:
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Middle Finger: Refers to the third digit of the human hand, anatomically located between the index finger and the ring finger. It is often the longest finger and plays a significant role in hand dexterity and fine motor movements.
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Digitus Medius: This is the Latin term for the middle finger. It denotes the third digit of the hand in anatomical studies.
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Anatomy of Hand Digits: Detailed descriptions of the hand's digits, including the middle finger, encompassing their skeletal structure, musculature, nerves, blood vessels, and functions, can be found in reputable anatomy textbooks such as "Gray's Anatomy for Students."
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References for Further Study: The article references authoritative sources such as "Gray's Anatomy for Students" by Drake, Vogl, and Mitchell, renowned for its comprehensive coverage of human anatomy, especially the upper limb, including the hand's structure and function. Additionally, the article points to resources like "Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Hand Intrinsic Muscles" by Dawson-Amoah and Varacallo, available in StatPearls, providing in-depth insights into the intrinsic muscles of the hand, crucial for understanding finger movements.
Understanding the anatomy and functionality of the middle finger within the context of the hand's intricate structure contributes to a broader comprehension of the human musculoskeletal system and its capabilities.
