Fingers, N459 Notes, Anatomy, Upper Limb, Wrist and Hand

Sagittal Section Finger:

1. Synovial and fibrous sheath for the flexor tendons
2. Articulate cartilage and articular cavity
3. Extensor mechanism consists of the Lateral Band and the Central Tendon
4. Synovial membrane over the joint (not the synovial Sheath for the flexor tendons)

Cross Section through distal phalynx

1. I can see 9 fine nerves - how many can you see?
2. Fine tissue and AREOLAR TISSUE in anterior enclosed space

Arteries and Nerves

1. Dorsal digital artery and Nerve - Proximal 2/3
2. Palmar digital artery and nerve with nutrient branch to epiphysis and metaphysis
3. Dorsal branches of palmar digital arteries and nerves to dorsum of middle and terminal palanges Distal 1/3

Location of Areolar Tissue, 

also referred to as "loose connective tissue".

It may be found in tissue sections from almost every part of the body. It surrounds blood vessels and nerves and penetrates with them even into the small spaces of muscles, tendons, and other tissues. It may likewise be present in the mediastinal extremities. Nearly every epithelium rests on a layer of areolar tissue, whose blood vessels provide the epithelium with nutrition, waste removal, and a ready supply of infection-fighting leukocytes in times of need. Because the abundance of open, fluid-filled space, leukocytes can move about freely in areolar tissue and can easily find and destroy pathogens.

The areolar tissue is found beneath the dermis layer and is also underneath the epithelial tissue of all the body systems that have external openings.

It is also a component of the lamina propria of the digestive and respiratory tracts, the mucous membranes of reproductiveand urinary systems, the stroma of glands, and the hypodermis of the skin.