mainile

Mainile, the Romanian word for hands, are the paired upper limbs at the end of the forearms. In humans they are primarily used for grasping, manipulating objects, and exploring the environment, as well as for communication and expressive gestures.

Anatomy: Each hand contains 27 bones: eight carpals in the wrist, five metacarpals in the palm, and fourteen phalanges in the fingers (two in the thumb and three in each of the other fingers). The joints include radiocarpal, midcarpal, carpometacarpal (notably the thumb joint), metacarpophalangeal, and interphalangeal joints. The hand is moved by extrinsic muscles in the forearm and intrinsic muscles in the palm, connected by a system of tendons. Nerves primarily come from the median, ulnar, and radial nerves, providing motor control and sensory input. Blood is supplied by the radial and ulnar arteries, with veins accompanying them.

Function and sensation: The opposable thumb allows a powerful grip and precise manipulation. Fingertips have dense mechanoreceptors that convey touch, vibration, and texture, supporting skilled tasks such as writing, typing, and tool handling. Sensation and movement develop through use and neural maturation, with the skin and nails contributing to tactile feedback.

Health and variation: Common conditions include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinopathies, fractures, and arthritis. Congenital variations such as polydactyly or syndactyly occur in some individuals. The human hand’s dexterity reflects its evolution: an opposable thumb, a rich nerve supply, and specialized skin enabling delicate manipulation, which underpins tool use and culture.