01 / Location & anatomical relationships
On the inner side of your hand, opposite the knuckles.
02 / Structure & organization
Palmar skin is thick and firmly attached to underlying connective tissue. The palmar aponeurosis protects deeper tendons, vessels and nerves. Thenar and hypothenar muscle groups form the prominences near the thumb and little finger.
03 / Function
Sensitive skin helps you notice the shape and texture of objects.
04 / Mechanism
A tough layer of connective tissue lies beneath the skin. The skin has ridges that improve contact and many sensory endings. The palm changes shape as its bones and muscles help cup or flatten the hand.
Part of a bigger picture
The palm 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
Skin creases accommodate bending but are not exact maps of every underlying joint. Dense sensory innervation helps the hand adjust grip to surface texture and load.
Check your understanding
Locate the palm 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.