Did you know that there are many different parts to our hands? Fingers are the obvious ones. You might or might not know the names of the fingers. But do you know the names of the other parts of your hand and finger? Vocabulary related to body parts is important for English learners to understand. You want to be able to describe the parts of your hands not only for regular conversations but also for emergencies. What if you need to describe medical conditions or explain where you are feeling the pain to a doctor? We want you to be prepared for situations like those.
Names of the Finger
First, let’s go over the list of the different finger names with pictures.
Fingers
Fingers are the slender, jointed extensions at the end of the human hand. Typically, people have five fingers on each hand. They allow us to grasp objects, perform intricate tasks, and sense touch through the numerous nerves embedded in their structure.
Thumb
The thumb is the short, thick first finger of the human hand, opposite the other four fingers. It is highly flexible and opposable, allowing for a wide range of movements, essential for grasping, holding, and manipulating objects with precision.
Index Finger
The index finger is the finger situated between the thumb and the middle finger. It is commonly used for pointing and is important for tasks requiring careful control and small movements.
Middle Finger
The middle finger is the third finger, counting from the thumb. It is located between the index finger and the ring finger. It is commonly used in hand gestures and contributes to grasping and manipulating objects.
Ring Finger
The ring finger is the fourth finger, counting from the thumb. It is situated between the middle finger and the pinky finger. It is called the “ring finger” because people traditionally wear wedding rings or engagement rings on their fourth finger.
Pinky Finger
The pinky finger, also known as the little finger, is the smallest and outermost finger on the human hand. While it may be physically smaller, it still plays a crucial role in gripping objects and contributes to overall hand movements.
Part of the Hand and Finger Names
Now, let’s go over the different parts of our hands with pictures.
Hand
The hand is the body part at the end of your arm, made up of the palm, fingers, and thumb. It helps you hold and move things.
Back of the Hand
The back of the hand is the part opposite the palm, where you can see the knuckles and tendons.
Fist
A fist is when you close your hand tightly, with your fingers curled inwards and the thumb wrapped around them. It’s a basic way your hand can grab or hit things.
Wrist
The wrist is the joint that connects your hand to your arm. It’s where your hand bends and moves, allowing you to do things like wave, pick up objects, and move your fingers.
Palm
The palm is the broad, inner part of your hand. It is the part between the fingers and the wrist. It’s the fleshy area that you use for holding objects.
Knuckles
The knuckles are the bony points on the back of your hand where your fingers meet your hand. They help your fingers bend and give your hand flexibility for various tasks like gripping and moving objects.
Fingernail
Fingernails are the hard, protective coverings at the tips of your fingers. They help to protect the sensitive skin at the fingertips and are made of a protein called keratin.
Cuticle
Cuticles are the thin, transparent layers of skin that cover the base of your fingernails. They act as a protective barrier, helping to keep germs and bacteria from entering the nail bed.
Part of the Hand and Finger Names
A great way to study and review vocabulary is to go over it on your way somewhere. You can do this on the bus or subway on your way to school, work, or somewhere else. In that case, go over this picture with the list of the finger names and hand parts names instead of scrolling down the long list above.
Finger Names FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about finger names and parts of the hand names.
What are the names of the fingers on the hand?
The names of the fingers on the hand are the thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and pinky finger.
What is the name of the fourth finger?
The name of the fourth finger is the “ring finger.”
Why is the ring finger called the ring finger?
The fourth finger is called the ring finger because traditionally people wore their wedding or engagement rings on the fourth finger.
Is the thumb a finger or not?
The thumb is distinctly different from the other four fingers in terms of structure. The thumb is capable of a range of motions that the other fingers cannot do. Yet, many medical professionals consider the thumb a finger. Although in English, the word “finger” isn’t included in the name of the thumb, some languages do.
What is the purpose of the pinky finger?
The pinky finger helps with gripping, balancing, and coordinating delicate tasks. It contributes to overall hand stability and plays a role in our sense of touch and sensation.
Why do we have fingernails?
Fingernails protect fingertips, improve grip for tasks, aid in scratching, and contribute to our sense of touch.
What is the proper name for the first finger?
The first finger is called the “thumb” in English.
What is the function of the knuckles of the hand?
Knuckles are joints in your hand that help your fingers move. They allow you to bend and straighten your fingers, making it easier to grip and do things with your hands.
More English Vocabulary
If you want to improve your English vocabulary, try learning words related to these interesting topics:
- Farm Animal and Domestic Animals
- Opposite Words
- Household Items
- Garden Tools
- Electronic Items
- Homonyms
Parts of the Hand and Finger Names: Join the Conversation
Did you learn something new about your hand? Let us know what that is in the comments. We’d love to hear from you.
