Faryar

Faryar is the smallest digit of the human hand. It is located on the side away from the thumb, and is the fifth finger counting from the thumb. In Somali it is also called Far yareey, Faryareey, or Faryaro.

Faryar consists of three small bones called phalanges: the base bone (proximal), the middle bone (media), and the tip bone (distal). These bones are connected to a hand bone called the fifth metacarpal. The joints between these bones allow the finger to bend and straighten.

Structure and muscles

Movement of faryar is controlled by muscles located in the forearm (the inner hand) and in the hand itself. Faryar has specific muscles that enable it to move away from the other fingers. Sensation and most of the motor control of faryar comes from a nerve called the ulnar nerve; when that nerve is damaged or pinched, faryar and the adjacent finger can experience reduced sensation or weakness.

Function

Although it is the smallest, faryar contributes significantly to the strength of grip. When the hand grasps something—such as a pen, a hard object, or a handle—faryar provides an important part of the pressure and stability. For this reason, the loss or injury of faryar reduces the hand's ability to grip strongly.

Culture and use

Faryar has symbolic meaning in many customs. In some places, touching the little fingers of two people together is a sign of promise or agreement. Faryar is also the finger traditionally used to count off certain rhymes, and is used in counting rhymes taught to children.