TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - The Wrist and Hand Complex A1 - Austin, Noelle M. A2 - Levangie, Pamela K. A2 - Norkin, Cynthia C. Y1 - 2011 N1 - T2 - Joint Structure and Function: A Comprehensive Analysis, 5e AB - The human hand may well surpass all body parts but the brain as a topic of universal interest. The human hand has been characterized as a symbol of power,1 an extension of intellect,2 and the seat of the will.3 The symbiotic relation of the mind and hand is exemplified by sociologists' claim that while the brain is responsible for the design of civilization, the hand is responsible for its formation. The hand cannot function without the brain to control it; likewise, the encapsulated brain needs the hand as a tool of expression. The entire upper limb is subservient to the hand. Any loss of function in the upper limb, regardless of the segment, ultimately translates into diminished function of its most distal joints. The significance of this potential loss has led to the detailed study of the finely balanced intricacies of the normal upper limb and hand. SN - PB - McGraw-Hill Education CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/03/29 UR - fadavispt.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1132839752 ER -