pinkies

The pinkie finger, also called the little finger or fifth finger, is the smallest digit of the human hand. It is located on the ulnar (pinky) side of the hand and articulates with the fifth metacarpal bone at the metacarpophalangeal joint. Compared with the other fingers, the pinkie is shorter but contributes significantly to grip and hand stability.

Anatomy and structure: Each hand contains 14 phalanges, and the pinkie has three (proximal, middle, and distal) connected by the metacarpophalangeal (MCP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP), and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints. It shares flexor tendons with the other digits, notably the flexor digitorum superficialis and flexor digitorum profundus. Intrinsic hand muscles of the hypothenar region—abductor digiti minimi, flexor digiti minimi brevis, and opponens digiti minimi—move the little finger. The ulnar nerve provides the motor innervation to these intrinsic muscles and supplies sensory innervation to the little finger via digital nerves; the ulnar artery contributes to its blood supply.

Function and clinical notes: The pinkie assists in grip strength and hand stability, especially in precision grips and when the hand closes around objects. It helps with finger coordination alongside the thumb and index finger. Common injuries include jammed or dislocated joints, mallet finger (injury to the distal tendon), and fractures of the base of the proximal phalanx. Ulnar nerve injury can weaken the pinkie’s abduction and opposition.

Variations and context: There is natural variation in length and curvature among individuals; congenital anomalies such as clinodactyly or polydactyly are possible but uncommon. In everyday use, rings are often worn on other fingers, while the pinkie contributes to the overall ergonomics and function of the hand.