Anatomy, Physiology, and Histology of the Hands, Feet, and Nails
Bones, muscles, nerves, and tissues
Histology is the study of tissues; anatomy is structure; physiology is function. Questions here are mostly recall of names, positions, and numbers, so build the skeleton in your head.
Each hand and wrist has 8 carpals, 5 metacarpals, and 14 phalanges (3 per finger, 2 for the thumb). Each foot and ankle has 7 tarsals, 5 metatarsals, and 14 phalanges (3 per toe, 2 for the great toe). The radius and ulna form the forearm; the tibia and fibula form the lower leg.
Muscles are described by origin (the fixed attachment, nearer the trunk) and insertion (the attachment that moves). Flexors bend the wrist and fingers; extensors straighten them. Abductors move a part away from the midline, adductors move it toward the midline - the name gives the answer. Nerves: radial, median, and ulnar serve the hand; tibial and peroneal serve the foot. Arteries carry blood away from the heart, veins toward it; lymph vessels return fluid and support immunity.
Traps: origin and insertion are routinely swapped, as are abduction and adduction. Remember that massage strokes follow venous return - toward the heart - and that a client with a diagnosed circulatory problem, uncontrolled diabetes, or a recent injury may need physician clearance before massage.
Rule of thumb: for any muscle name ending in flexor or extensor, picture the action; for bone counts, remember 8-5-14 for the hand and 7-5-14 for the foot.