Fingertip

The fingertip is the distal end of a finger, including the soft tissue pad, skin, and the underlying distal phalanx, distal to the nail. It comprises the nail plate and nail bed, the hyponychium, and the fleshy volar pad at the tip. The skin of the fingertip is glabrous (hairless) and highly innervated, with a rich supply of sensory receptors.

Anatomically, the fingertip contains a dense network of mechanoreceptors in the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Meissner’s corpuscles detect light touch and texture; Merkel cells provide information about sustained pressure and fine details; Pacinian corpuscles respond to vibration; and Ruffini endings contribute to sensing skin stretch. The fingertips thus have acute tactile sensitivity and play a crucial role in manual dexterity.

The skin surface features friction ridges, commonly known as fingerprints, which enhance grip and tactile discrimination. Fingerprint patterns are unique to individuals and are used for identification. The nail plate rests on the nail bed, with the lunula often visible; the cuticle and hyponychium protect the distal nail apparatus.

Functionally, the fingertip enables precise manipulation, grasp, and exploration of objects. It provides essential tactile feedback for shaping grips, discerning texture and temperature, and guiding fine motor tasks.

Clinical notes: The fingertip is a common site for injuries such as lacerations, crush injuries, and pulp avulsions. Recovery depends on preservation of nerve function and the integrity of the volar pad; severe cases may require reconstruction or reattachment procedures.