Middle finger

The middle finger (also called the long finger) is the third digit of the human hand, located between the index finger and the ring finger. It is the longest finger of the hand and typically extends from the middle of the palm.

Like the other fingers (except the thumb), the middle finger consists of three small bones called phalanges: a base, a middle section, and a tip. These bones are connected to the metacarpal bone of the middle finger. Tendons extending from muscles in the forearm control bending and straightening.

Structure and function

The middle finger plays an important role in grasping objects. When the hand grasps something—for example, a pen or tool—the middle finger and ring finger provide most of the force, while the thumb and index finger provide guidance and fine control. Because of its length, the middle finger often makes first contact when the hand touches something.

Sensation in the middle finger is supplied by nerve branches from the median nerve (the central nerve), mainly on the palm side, while the radial nerve contributes to the back side. When these nerves are compressed, as in the condition called carpal tunnel syndrome, the middle finger may lose sensation or become painful.

Social meaning

In many parts of the world, raising the middle finger alone while folding the other fingers is an offensive gesture. This usage has a long history in European culture, documented by ancient Greek and Roman writers. Today this gesture is well known in the media and on the internet, and in some countries it is legally considered disorderly conduct when used in public.

On the other hand, the middle finger has nonoffensive conventional uses: in some cultures, the ring finger for marriage or engagement is measured against the adjacent middle finger, or the middle finger is used to measure hand size or count fingers.