Colored, Posterior View of the Male Hand

Description

Seen from the posterior (dorsal) aspect, the adult male manus is rendered in color to separate the major surface landmarks of the hand and wrist. Prominent dorsal features include the metacarpals and phalanges with the extensor tendons coursing distally toward the digits, fanning most broadly over the metacarpophalangeal joints and narrowing toward the distal interphalangeal joints. Proximally, the dorsal carpal region transitions into the distal forearm, where the extensor compartments lie superficial to the radius and ulna and align longitudinally with the second through fifth rays. Bony contours read clearly. A posterior hand view matters because dorsal pathology and dorsal surgical corridors live on this side: extensor tendon lacerations, sagittal band injuries with extensor tendon subluxation at the knuckle, and dorsal wrist ganglion cysts arising near the scapholunate interval. The dorsal surface also anchors teaching of the extensor retinaculum and the six dorsal compartments, a practical framework for localizing De Quervain tenosynovitis (first compartment) versus extensor carpi ulnaris tendinopathy (sixth compartment). Spatial relationships on the dorsum guide safe incisions that respect superficial veins and the dorsal sensory branches of the radial and ulnar nerves while targeting tendon sheath, capsule, or bone. Use this artwork in gross anatomy and orthopedic modules covering the upper extremity, tendon anatomy, and surface landmarks of the hand and wrist, or in operative atlases illustrating dorsal approaches to the metacarpals, phalanges, and carpus. It also suits patient education and EM documentation where a clear dorsal reference helps communicate the location of lacerations, swelling, and postoperative scars. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.