ESSHM HandCare · Anatomy
Tendons of the Hand
Tendons transmit muscle force into precise finger and thumb movement.
Flexor tendons
Flexor tendons run along the palm side of the forearm, wrist and fingers. They pass through fibrous pulleys that keep them close to bone and make efficient finger flexion possible.
Extensor tendons
Extensor tendons travel over the back of the hand and form a complex hood over each finger. Their interconnected structure allows coordinated straightening of the finger joints.
Tendon sheaths
Many tendons glide inside synovial sheaths. Inflammation, swelling or scarring can interfere with smooth gliding and may cause pain, clicking or restricted motion.
Why injuries matter
A divided tendon cannot simply ‘heal in the right place’ without appropriate management. Loss of active movement after a cut should be assessed promptly.
This page provides general anatomy education and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment advice.