Your hand has a built in snuff box

Your Hand Has a Built-In Snuff Box

Have you ever heard of the snuff box? No, it’s not a tiny container for holding snuff, but rather a small anatomical feature in your hand. Yes, your hand has a built-in snuff box, and it’s not just there for show. In fact, it serves a pretty important purpose.

What is the snuff box?

The anatomical snuff box is a triangular depression located on the radial aspect of the dorsum of your hand, specifically between two tendons. These tendons are the extensor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis.

Why is it called a snuff box?

Well, the name is derived from its historical use. In the past, snuff, which is a powdered tobacco product, was inhaled through the nose. To do this, people would scoop the snuff powder from the snuffbox with their thumb and then sniff it.

What is the purpose of the snuff box?

Now that we know what the snuff box is, let’s explore its purpose. The snuff box serves as an important landmark for locating and assessing various anatomical structures in the wrist and thumb region. It allows physicians and healthcare professionals to palpate specific bones, tendons, and blood vessels to diagnose and treat hand-related issues efficiently.

Blood vessels and tendons in the snuff box

Within the confines of this snuff box, you can find the radial artery. This artery is one of the major blood vessels that supplies oxygenated blood to the thumb side of the hand. In addition to the artery, the snuff box also houses two important tendons: the tendons responsible for thumb movements.

Checking for medical conditions

The snuff box is crucial for diagnosing conditions like De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the tendons located at the base of the thumb. By palpating the area and determining tenderness, healthcare professionals can evaluate whether this condition is present.

Conclusion

In conclusion, your hand’s built-in snuff box is more than just a unique anatomical feature. It serves as a valuable tool for medical professionals to assess and diagnose hand-related conditions. So, next time you look at the back of your hand, remember that you have an intricate structure with a fascinating history right there at your fingertips.