01 / Location & anatomical relationships
At the end of your forearm, beyond the wrist.
02 / Structure & organization
The hand contains carpal bones, metacarpals and phalanges. Intrinsic muscles lie within it, while extrinsic tendons arrive from the forearm. Sensory input and fine motor control support precision grip as well as powerful grasping.
03 / Function
Many bones, joints and muscles let them make precise movements.
04 / Mechanism
The palm provides a base for the fingers and thumb. Muscles and tendons arrange these parts around objects, while touch signals help adjust the grip. A light paper cup and a heavy book call for different forces.
Part of a bigger picture
The hand belongs in our arms & hands collection. Explore the nearby parts to see how this area of the body fits together.
Explore arms & hands →FOR DEEPER STUDY
Connect structure with function
A stable wrist position improves finger-force transmission. Compare a precision pinch with a power grip to see how different joints and muscle groups are recruited.
Check your understanding
Locate the hand in relation to its neighbors. Explain how the structural features described above support its function, then distinguish it from a nearby structure with a different role.
Keep learning
Continue with OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology for system-level study. This atlas is educational and has not undergone independent medical peer review.