We will take a look at the classical distribution of the nerves to the skin of the hand. Realize that there are several variations in the pattern of distribution of these nerves.
There are 4 nerves coming into the general area of the hand:
and these are responsible for supplying the skin of the hand. The distribution is shown in the figure.
dorsum of the hand | ![]() |
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superficial nerves of palm of hand |
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deep nerves of palm of hand | ![]() |
posterior antebrachial cutaneous | skin of dorsum of wrist |
radial nerve | skin of dorsum of thumb and 2 1/2 digits as far as the distal interphalangeal joint |
ulnar nerve | ulnar 1 1/2 digits and adjacent part of dorsum of hand |
ulnar nerve | sensory to skin of ulnar 1 1/2 digits motor to muscles of hypothenar eminence motor to ulnar two lumbricals motor to 7 interossei motor to adductor pollicis muscle |
median nerve | sensory to skin of palmar aspect of thumb and 2 1/2 digits including the skin on the dorsal aspect of the distal phalanges motor to muscles of thenar eminence motor to radial two lumbrical muscles |
Veins of the Hand![]() |
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![]() | This is copyrighted© 1999 by Wesley Norman, PhD, DSc |