Tendons in the Index Finger

Tendons are connective tissues that go from muscles to bone. The tendons in the index finger on the hand connect the hand muscles to the bones of the hand. When an individual moves his index finger, the tendons are responsible for that action. Two flexor tendons control the movement of the index finger, in addition to an extensor tendon, a first dorsal intersseous and a index lubrical.

Flexor Digitorum Profundus

• This tendon extends all the way to the end of the index finger.

  This tendon is the long tendon in the index finger, which starts in the forearm and attaches to the tip of the finger. It is the tendon responsible for moving the tip of the finger. It also assists in moving the rest of the index finger, along with the wrist. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, this tendon runs alongside the palm side of the finger, very close to the surface of the skin.

Flexor Digitorum Superficialis

• This tendon, also called the flexor digitorum sublimis, is the shorter of the two flexor tendons, starting in the forearm and ending at the middle joint. It controls the movement of the middle joint of the index finger, and also assists with the movement of the bottom joint of the finger and the wrist. Like its counterpart flexor tendon, it runs along the palm side of the finger, close to the skin.

Index Lubrical

• Responsible for flexing the first joint of the index finger, this tendon runs alongside the flexor digitorum profundus. It also assists in moving the other two joints of the index finger.

First Dorsal Interosseous

• This tendon flexes the first joint of the index finger and also the thumb. In addition, it helps with the movement of the middle and top joint of the index finger.

Estensor Digitorum

• This tendon extends the first two joints of the index finger, running alongside the two flexor tendons.