Topic:Applied anatomy including blood and nerve supply of upper and lower limbs and joints of shoulder, hip and knee.
Question: Write a short note on the anatomy of the palmar spaces of the hand.
Click here for Reference Material-This material is informational alone and is not specifically prepared as an answer for any question. Readers may do their own research before finalising diagnoses according to the characteristics unique to each question. Readers should not proceed without cross-referencing with relevant textbooks as well as standard guidelines available.
The palmar spaces of the hand, also known as the fascial spaces, are anatomical compartments located within the palm. They are separated by tough fibrous septa, which are extensions of the palmar aponeurosis, and they contain important neurovascular structures and muscles. Understanding the anatomy of these spaces is crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of various hand conditions, such as infections and injuries.
There are four main palmar spaces in the hand:
- Thenar Space: This space is located on the radial side of the palm, over the thenar eminence. It contains the thenar muscles (abductor pollicis brevis, flexor pollicis brevis, and opponens pollicis), as well as the radial artery and the superficial branch of the radial nerve.
- Midpalmar Space: This space is located in the center of the palm, deep to the palmar aponeurosis. It contains the lumbricals, the flexor tendons, and the digital nerves and vessels. The ulnar artery and nerve pass through the proximal part of this space.
- Hypothenar Space: This space is located on the ulnar side of the palm, over the hypothenar eminence. It contains the hypothenar muscles (abductor digiti minimi, flexor digiti minimi brevis, and opponens digiti minimi), as well as the ulnar artery and nerve.
- Interdigital Space: These spaces are located between the fingers. They contain the digital nerves and vessels, as well as the lumbrical muscles.
Infections or injuries that involve these spaces can cause significant swelling and pain, and they can potentially compromise the function of the hand. Therefore, it’s important to understand the anatomy of these spaces in order to provide appropriate treatment.
