Fingertip

anatomy

The fingertip is the end of the fingers on the human hand. The Latin term for the fingers of our hand is Digitus manus. If we look at our hand, we see 5 different fingers: thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger and the little finger.

Despite the fact that all fingers are different, their structure or their anatomy basically show parallels, one speaks of one same basic structure: The Fingertip can also be used as foremost phalanx and on it is the Fingernail (lat. Unguis). This consists of keratin, a water-insoluble fiber protein and primarily fulfills one Protective function of the fingertip. In addition, this is only present in higher primates, since the nail is evolutionarily derived from the so-called epidermis, i.e. the uppermost part of our skin. This is located under the keratinized fingernail Nail bed, which consists of connective tissue and is firmly attached to the periosteum. In the area of ​​the nail one can see the so-called Nail moon, a white crescent-shaped mark.

In addition to the nail, the Fingertip Another important meaning, for example it appears frequently in criminology: Every fingertip has a characteristic patternwhich is unique and to Identification of an individual serves that fingerprint. This contains many Touch and pressure receptors, about 700 pieces and thus fulfills an important function for the Feeling an object. Several arteries and veins can also be found on the finger, as well as fatty tissue. The arteries that are most important here are Terminal branches of the radial artery and the Ulnar artery.

To move the finger we need Musculature, which attaches to the respective finger bone and for the Fine motor skills (e.g. writing and feeling) plays a decisive role. The Fingertip joint is a Hinge joint, which is a diffraction (Flexion) and a stretch (Extension) allows. There is also a Tape apparatus attached to the Stabilization of the finger joint serves. This consists of two side ligaments and two additional ligaments on the back of the hand and fingers. There are also tendons that are secured by so-called rings and cruciate ligaments. An analogy to the finger joint is the toe joint, which anatomically shows many similarities.

Numbness of the fingertip

When fingertips are numb, and this also applies to other areas of the skin on our body, the most common cause is a nerve disorder. In the case of entrapment or injuries in which a nerve is damaged, this manifests itself in the symptoms of numbness on a corresponding skin area. One speaks here of so-called sensitivity disorders. The nerve that is most frequently disturbed here is the ulnar nerve, which runs on our "funny bones", with which most readers have probably already made acquaintance.

Another cause of numb fingers are polyneuropathies, i.e. other special diseases of our nervous system, which can be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle (obesity, excessive alcohol consumption). In addition, an anatomical tightness can occur, which can be summarized under the term carpal tunnel syndrome.

If numbness occurs in the fingertip, one should not hesitate to consult a neurologist who will physically examine the conduction velocity of the affected nerve, which is usually reduced. In most cases, this can be remedied surgically. In a few cases, vitamin replacement therapy can also be successful.

More on this topic on our website Numbness in the finger

Tingling in the fingertip

When the fingertip tingles, it often happens before a finger goes numb, or it happens temporarily if one Pinched nerve (for example, when lying on the hand for a long time). When the tingling disappears after a few minutes or hours, then this is temporary and should no longer be judged as bad. However, if it does goes several days and an injury is also the cause, this can be due to a more serious state of affairs indicate.

The cause is as with Numbness also one Nerve damagethat occurs as a result of direct external influences (broken bones, cuts, falls), or as a result of years of damage to the organism in the form of an unhealthy lifestyle. For example, nerve damage as Result of diabetes (Polyneuropathy). In addition, a Anemia, a magnesium deficiency or an excess of potassium or a disc prolapse also trigger a tingling sensation in the fingertip.

Since the list of possible causes for a tingling sensation in the front finger is very long, it is all the more important see a professional. A detailed examination is necessary here, which can only be carried out by a qualified doctor.

Broken fingertip

A Fracture of the interphalangeal joint, the joint on our fingertip comes through most often Violence caused, for example, by falling, being trapped in the car door or an object falling on the joint. Whether you are affected can be determined with relative certainty if one Misalignment of the joint is present and Pain which occur after about 5-15 minutes in one bruise culminate with discoloration of the fingertip.

However, a doctor can only achieve clarity through one imaging procedure achieve which, as a rule, the roentgen represents. Close your finger coolto make a splint, put your hand up and a general one Protection of the hand are good first aid. As with almost all fractures, it is important that you consult a competent doctor in good time and that you also take the above-mentioned measures of early care yourself.

Most of them Broken fingers can be treated without surgery, and for those who do not have an surgery Take remedial action. Nevertheless, in individual cases it can be the case that the range of motion remains restricted and cannot be fully restored. You can go with up to 20 ° restriction expect when there are complicated fractures, poor primary care, and advanced age of the patient.

Fingertip cut

If you repeatedly deal precisely with the anatomy of the finger, you can quickly determine that the corresponding Ligaments, tendons, joints and vessels injured can be if you cut your finger or have even planed the fingertip off completely. A precise statement of what everything has been anatomically injured and what can still be saved cannot be given here, because this must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

However, at quickly consulting a doctor and good first aid To give hope. First you should go through a Printing compound try to stop the bleeding as much as possible, which is best for you sterile compress which can be found in a first-aid kit in almost every company and household. If the wound is deep, don't hesitate To see a doctorwho sutures the wound in less serious injuries, which in most cases also completely heals.

If you have planed off your entire fingertip, first of all also proceed in terms of first aid technology so that you Stop bleeding, and you should take the part of your fingertip that was peeled off when you drive to the emergency room.

Connect fingertip

To connect the fingertip, the Fingertip bandage to: First you take one band Aid and cuts it off between 8 and 12 cm long, depending on the size of the finger. You should be exactly in the middle of this first aid bandage cut two triangles into itso that you can fold it around your finger later. Now you pull off the protective covering of the bandage and take care not to touch the sterile part. Now you first glue one side of the finger up to the triangular center and use your other hand to help you glue the bandage around your entire finger.

The advantage of this bandage is that the finger is in an anatomically sensible position, which prevents the injured finger from being injured more severely than previously. Further it protects against bacterial contamination and other germs that could get into the open wound through water or the air. It is also very easy and quick to put on and, with a little practice, you can do it with just one hand.