vinger

Vinger is the Dutch singular noun for finger, the digit at the end of the hand. A typical hand has five fingers, including an opposable thumb that enables grasping and precision manipulation. The term is used in everyday language and in anatomical discussions to refer to each of the five digits as a unit.

Anatomy and joints: Each finger consists of three phalanges—proximal, middle, and distal—while the thumb has two (proximal and distal). The joints include the metacarpophalangeal joints where each finger attaches to the hand, and the interphalangeal joints (proximal and distal, when present). The thumb lacks a middle phalanx, giving it a different range of motion and function. The skin and nails cover the dorsal and palmar surfaces, contributing to protection and tactile sensation.

Muscles, tendons, and movement: Movement is produced by a combination of flexor tendons on the palm side (notably flexor digitorum superficialis and flexor digitorum profundus) and extensor tendons on the back of the hand (extensor digitorum). The extensor mechanism distributes force along the finger to control bending and straightening, while the intrinsic hand muscles assist with fine motor control and stabilization.

Nerves and blood supply: Sensation in the fingers is carried by digital nerves that arise from the median and ulnar nerves, with additional sensory input from the radial nerve on the dorsum. Blood is supplied through arteries that feed the palmar arches and give rise to the proper digital arteries along each finger.

Function and variation: Fingers allow grip, manipulation, and fine tactile discrimination. Common anatomical variations include polydactyly (extra digits) and syndactyly (fusion of digits). Finger injuries, such as fractures of the phalanges, mallet finger, or trigger finger, are frequent and typically require clinical assessment.