![claw hand claw hand](https://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large-5/claw-hand-due-to-trapped-ulnar-nerve-medical-photo-nhs-lothianscience-photo-library.jpg)
This is especially important for grasping and holding objects. The first digit, or thumb, can be opposed to the remaining four digits. The basal phalanges of the fingers articulate with the metacarpal bones. Of the eight bones of the carpus, which are arranged in two rows, three articulate with the bones of the forearm (the radiocarpal joint) and with those of the metacarpus, which make up the base of the hand. The hand consists of the carpus, the metacarpus, and the digits. The terminal section of the upper extremity (arm) in man, capable of performing extremely delicate and differentiated movements. Among humans, the undersides of the fingers and palms have distinctive ridges, which improve grip and can be used as identification marks. The bones of the digits are anchored to muscles in the hand and to muscles in the arms and shoulders, through connections to tendons, permitting a wide range of movements. Ligaments interconnect the bones of the hand. Fourteen phalangeal bones constitute the four fingers and thumb (three in each finger, two in the thumb).
![claw hand claw hand](https://cdn-prod.medicalnewstoday.com/content/images/articles/319/319608/hand-forming-claw-shape.jpg)
The metacarpus, or palm, is composed of five long metacarpal bones. The wrist, which joins the hand to the forearm, contains eight cubelike bones arranged in two rows of four bones each. In vertebrates other than humans, the primary function of the hand is locomotion the human hand, due to the evolutionary development of bipedalism, is freed for manipulative tasks. Opposable thumbs make possible precise movements such as grasping small objects. In humans and other primates, the thumb is opposable, i.e., it can be moved into a position opposite to the other four digits. The human hand consists of the wrist, palm, four fingers, and thumb. Hand, terminal part of the forelimb in primates.