Finger Articulations

Flexion

Bending the joint resulting in a decrease of angle; moving the base of the fingers toward the palm of the hand.

• Flexor digitorum profundus
• Flexor digitorum superficialis
• Flexor digiti minimi
• Abductor digiti minimi
• Interossei
• Lumbricals

Extension / Hyperextension

Straightening the joint resulting in an increase of angle; moving the base of the fingers away from the palm of the hand.

• Extensor digitorum (middle & ring fingers)
• Extensor digiti minimi
• Extensor indicis

Adduction

Medial movement toward the axial line; movement of the fingers toward the middle finger.

• Palmar interossei (in the extended finger)
• Flexor digitorum superficialis
• Flexor digitorum profundus

Abduction

Lateral movement away from the axial line; movement of the fingers away from the middle finger.

• Dorsal interosssei (in the extended finger)
• Extensor digitorum
• Extensor digiti minimi
• Extensor indicis
• Abductor digiti minimi

Flexion

Bending the joint resulting in a decrease of angle; moving the distal two segments of the fingers toward the base of the fingers.

• Flexor digitorum profundus
• Flexor digitorum superficialis (proximal joint only)

Extension

Straightening the joint resulting in an increase of angle; moving the distal two segments of the fingers away from the base of the fingers.

• Extensor digitorum
• Extensor digiti minimi
• Extensor indicis
• Lumbricals
• Interossei