Question

List at least two possible reasons for the differences you see between the pinch strength of the first two fingers and the second two fingers. In your answer consider actions of the hand and musculature (Use an anatomy textbook or atlas to view the muscles of the forearm and hand).

Answer 1

Answer:

The first two fingers may be stronger due to the fact that they are used the most often and could build up more strength and dexterity. Another reason the first two fingers may be stronger could be due to the fact that the ulnar muscle that controls digits 4 and 5 is smaller than the radial muscle.

Explanation:

Pinch strength is a widely used measurement of hand function. A direct relationship between pinch strength and function has been demonstrated and illustrates the importance of hand strength in clinical practice.There is a difference in grip strength in the dominant and non-dominant hands.Dominant hand  is significantly stronger. According to the pinch strength data, he index finger and the thumb are the strongest, the middle finger and the thumb are the second strongest, the ring finger and the thumb are the third strongest, and the little finger and the thumb are last. The difference is the largest between the middle finger and the thumb and the ring finger and the thumb.

The first two fingers may be stronger due to the fact that they are used the most often and could build up more strength and dexterity. Another reason the first two fingers may be stronger could be due to the fact that the ulnar muscle that controls digits 4 and 5 is smaller than the radial muscle.

Difference in the pinch strength may be due to one possible reason that the radial muscle is larger than the ulnar muscle which controls digits 4 and 5. Another reason could be that you generally use the thumb, index, and middle fingers more than the ring and little finger, therefore the first three fingers have more strength and muscle memory.