volar

Volar is an anatomical term describing the palm-side or sole-side surface of a limb, most often applied to the hand and forearm. In human anatomy, the volar surface corresponds to the palm of the hand, while the opposite side is called the dorsal surface. In the context of the foot, volar can refer to the bottom surface, though plantar is more commonly used for that region. The term is frequently used in clinical and surgical settings to specify location and orientation.

Etymology and usage: Volar derives from Latin volāris, meaning related to the palm. It is used in contrast to dorsal, which denotes the back of the hand or foot. While palmar is a closely related term often used in anatomy and clinical descriptions, volar is common in radiology, orthopedics, and hand surgery because it emphasizes the palm-facing aspect in descriptions and procedures.

Applications: The word helps describe surfaces, structures, and procedures on the palm side. Examples include the volar surface of the forearm, the volar aspect of the wrist, and the volar plate of finger joints, a thick fibrocartilaginous structure that limits hyperextension. Volar splints or casts are immobilization devices oriented to the palm side to stabilize the wrist or hand. In radiography and fracture assessment, volar tilt or volar angulation refers to the orientation of a joint surface toward the volar/palm side, such as the distal radius.

See also: Palmar, dorsal, plantar, volar plate, volar splint, volar tilt.