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• http://www.getbodysmart.com/ap/

muscularsystem/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

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 footThe 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.