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Asked by pranay900 to Alexis, Dr D, Helen, Jasmine, Mario on 25 Jun 2013.
Question: Why is our ring finger less flexible than our other fingers?
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Alexis Barr answered on 25 Jun 2013:
This is a brilliant question and you just had me testing it out because, to be honest, I’d never really thought about it before. I figured this was something to do with the tendons that control your finger movement but I just had to check the specifics.
So – the reason is that all your finger movements are controlled by tendons that are connected to, and controlled by, the muscles in your forearm. All your fingers have their own tendons EXCEPT your middle finger and your ring finger which are controlled by the same tendons. Which is why you can’t move you ring finger independently of your middle finger very easily.
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Jasmine Penny answered on 25 Jun 2013:
What a great question! This too prompted some testing and discussion in the PhD office this afternoon. I can’t say I actually noticed much difference! So I am fascinated by Alexis’ reasoning!
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Andrew Devitt answered on 25 Jun 2013:
It’s real problem for pianists I think….at least rubbish ones like me.
I reckon Alexis has a decent answer there
Comments
Moderator - Shane commented on :
All around the country (at least at the I’m a Scientist office) people are testing this by curling the middle finger under their palm and trying to lift their ring finger. Not possible. Index and little fingers are fine.
Moderator - Rosie commented on :
Now we’re all sitting here in the office trying this – http://www.sciencemadesimple.co.uk/activities/paralysed_finger
Put all your fingers flat on a table then bend your middle finger in under your palm. Now try and raise your ring finger….
Weird huh!!
@pranay900 do you know any more tricks like this??
pranay900 commented on :
@Moderator – Rosie Here is another trick – Sit down on a chair and put your right hand in front of you and turn it clockwise. Then while turning your arm stick your right foot out and turn it anti clockwise. See if you can do it!