Select a Joint:
Finger Movements
Jump to Movement:
The fingers are controlled by both intrinsic hand muscles (muscles that originate from somewhere on the hand itself), and extrinsic muscles (muscles that originate from up in the forearms), which together enable the following movements shown below. However, it's important to note that the thumb is always controlled independently of the other fingers by separate muscles and tendons, and the pinky and index finger also have their own dedicated muscles that can move each independently of the other fingers, resulting in an enormous amount of variety and freedom of movement for the fingers! There's so much variety in fact that there are many more specific movements than the ones I highlight below... but these are the primary movements to be aware of, and the rest are mostly variations of them.
(Anatomy Animations Powered By Muscle & Motion)
Fingers 2-5 Extension
Straightening your fingers (except the thumb) and pulling them back towards the back of the hand.
Finges 2-5 Flexion
Bending your fingers (except the thumb) and curling them down towards the palm of the hand.
Hand Flexion
Curling your big toe down towards the bottom of your foot
Fingers 2-5 Abduction
Spreading your fingers (except the thumb) apart
Fingers 2-5 Adduction
Bringing your fingers (except the thumb) closer to each other
Thumb Extension
Lifting toes 2-5 up towards the top of your foot
Thumb Flexion
Lifting your big toe up towards the top of your foot
Thumb Abduction
Lifting toes 2-5 up towards the top of your foot
Thumb Adduction
Lifting your big toe up towards the top of your foot
Thumb Opposition
Bringing your thumb across the palm of your hand towards the pinky
Pinky Extension
Straightening your pinky finger and pulling it back towards the back of the hand
Pinky Flexion
Bending your pinky finger and curling it down towards the palm of your hand
Pinky Abduction
Moving your pinky away from the other fingers laterally (to the side)
Pinky Opposition
Bringing your pinky across the front of your palm towards the thumb
Index Finger Extension
Straightening your 2nd finger ("pointer finger") and pulling it back towards the back of the hand
You can now access ALL of Dr. Gains in-depth exercise anatomy breakdowns, including an analysis of every muscle that performs each action, and most importantly how you can apply that knowledge to drastically improve your workouts, along with ALL of Dr. Gains other premium content and >1,000 science-based exercises with the All-Access Membership!!
You can now access ALL of Dr. Gains in-depth exercise anatomy breakdowns, including an analysis of every muscle that performs each action, and most importantly how you can apply that knowledge to drastically improve your workouts, along with ALL of Dr. Gains other premium content and >1,000 science-based exercises with the All-Access Membership!!
All-Access Membership
• Only $9.95 / Month!!
• Unlimited Access to All 8 Major Muscle Groups*
• Over 1,000 Exercises with In-Depth Video Tutorials & Anatomy Graphics
• Access to All Dr. Gains Exercise Theory, Principles & Techniques
• New Exercises, Videos & Other Content Uploaded Daily
• Cancel Anytime
Ready to get serious about building your forearms? Pre-register for the Hypertrophy Series Total Forearm Program and receive 50% OFF when it launches!!
Ready to get serious about building your deltoids, along with ALL 17 MUSCLES that move the shoulder? Start the Hypertrophy Series Total Shoulder Program today!!
Check Out All Dr. Gains Programs & Products!
Check Out All Dr. Gains Programs & Products!
Copyright © 2022 Kamalu Enterprises DBA Dr. Gains. All rights reserved.