Hand

Palm of left hand, showing position of skin creases and bones, and surface markings for the volar arches.

The human hand is one of nature's most amazing creations. No other creature has a limb quite like it, apart from a number of other primates and also kangaroos and squirrels and chameleons and a number of other animals.

The opposable thumb makes it possible to grasp branches and manipulate tools. Although the human hand is not nearly as strong as a that of a chimpanzee, when a person turns his or her hand to a task he or she can build enormous skyscrapers or tiny electronic circuits.