dláno

Dláno is a term used in several Slavic languages to denote the palm of the hand, the inner surface between the wrist and the fingers. As an anatomical area, the palm contains thick, hairless skin with dense sweat glands and characteristic creases; it houses muscles, tendons, blood vessels and sensory receptors that enable grip, fine manipulation and tactile perception.

The palm’s structure supports diverse functions such as grasping objects, detecting texture and temperature, and performing coordinated manual tasks. Palmar creases develop prenatally and vary between individuals; their patterns are of interest in fields ranging from dermatoglyphics to forensic identification. Injuries, dermatitis and nerve compression syndromes (for example affecting the median nerve) can impair palmar sensation and hand function.

Beyond anatomy, the palm has cultural and symbolic roles. In many traditions it is associated with touch, control and protection; phrases like “in the palm of one’s hand” reflect notions of control or intimacy. Palmistry, a practice that interprets lines and shapes on the palm, appears in diverse cultural contexts though it lacks scientific validation. In communication, palm orientation and movement are essential components of sign languages and gestural systems.

As a common lexical item, dláno and its cognates appear in literature, idioms and everyday speech to refer both literally to the palm and metaphorically to influence, care or vulnerability.