Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: The hand—I

Abstract

The hand is a highly specialised organ that has developed over thousands of years from the primitive fish pectoral fin. It is part of a multijoint system extending from the clavicle and scapula which allows a prodigious range of movement together with fine dexterity and also great strength. Its well developed sensory function results in it being described as the third eye. © 1985, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.