Fascia of the Hand

Question 1

What is the arrangement of fascia within the hand?

Answer 1

Two layers of fascia subdividing the hand into the thenar (medial), central and hypotheranar (lateral) compartments

Question 2

What is the role of the superficial fascia of the hand?

Answer 2

Forms a thin tough covering over the palm of the hand - allows formation of the superficial transverse metacarpal ligaments

thickest medially and distally

Question 3

What is the arrangement of the deep fascia of the hand?

Answer 3

two layers

• deepest layer covers the interossei and encloses adductor pollicis
• superficial layer forms the palmar aponeurosis

deep fascia is thickest centrally - thins towards thenar and hypothenar eminences.

Question 4

what is the function of the palmar aponeurosis?

Answer 4

dense triangular sheet

• compresses anatomical structures within the palm
• increases hand dexterity
• protects tendons and nerves
• facilitates gripping

Question 5

what are the attachments of the palmar aponeurosis?

Answer 5

Dense triangular sheet
- apex faces proximally and attaches to flexor retinaculum and tendon of palmas longus

distally, fascia fans out forms 4 slips into each finger
- each slip divides into two parts - attach into the base of the flexor sheep and the deep transverse metacarpal ligament.