Biiomedical Engineering - Coursework Example

The muscles and tendons in the hand, according to Valero-Cuevas (2005), are fairly slow in electrical signals as well as conduction velocity. Research on the use of the hand has concentrated on the finger as it is the fundamental unit of hand function (Valero-Cuevas, 2005) and understanding the complex movements of the finger also leads to understanding the complex movements of the hand.  Moving and placing the fingers on an object fulfills the need for several kinds of movements necessary to human function.

Those functions include reach and grasp which are both functions that are important to everyday self-care The first row of phalanges in the fingers articulates with those of the second row and with the metacarpals. The phalanges of the second row then articulate with those of the first and third row and those in the last row with the second row. The human finger does have an actuator system which is the extrinsic muscles that originate in the forearm and intrinsic ones that originate in the forearm.

These two different types of actuators provide both isometrics forces and maneuverability as well as stabilization (Porth & Matfin, 2007). Connective tissue then brings the parallel fibers together that make up the muscles. These are connected to tendons which then end in the finger bones (Banks, 2001). Synovial sheaths are then responsible for the smooth gliding that happens. Studies that have been done on both normal and disabled hands (Banks, 2001) tell us that it is the properties of the connective tendons that give the finger its ability to have a large range of motion.

Valero-Cuevas studied the biomechanical function and neuromuscular function of the fingers in a study published in 2005.  He experimented with static fingertip forces and dynamic fingertip forces. Static fingertip forces were studied through the use of the precision pinch by using pinch meters. His result showed that the higher the surface friction, the larger the friction cone that the force vectors are directed inside (Valero-Cuevas). This can be changed by rolling the finger pad. On the other hand, Dyna, a mic precision pinch was used studying the motion of simultaneous use of the fingertip force.