Step 2: Touch Your Pinky to Your Thumb
- Slowly bring your pinky finger to touch the tip of your thumb.
- This movement engages the tendons in your wrist.
Step 3: Slightly Flex Your Wrist
- Gently lift your hand off the surface while keeping your pinky and thumb touching.
- Watch your wrist carefully to see if a tendon becomes visible.
Step 4: Compare Both Hands
- Repeat the same steps with your other hand.
- You may find that the tendon is more prominent in one hand than the other, or that you have it in only one hand.
What If You Don’t Have the Tendon?
If you don’t see a raised tendon, don’t worry—it simply means you are among the percentage of people who lack the palmaris longus muscle. Its absence does not impact grip strength or dexterity in any way.
The Role of the Palmaris Longus in Medicine
Though the palmaris longus muscle is not essential, it has medical significance. Because it is not crucial for normal hand function, surgeons often use it in tendon graft procedures. It can be removed and repurposed for reconstructive surgery, such as repairing damaged ligaments in the hand or forearm.
Conclusion
The raised tendon phenomenon is a simple yet intriguing example of human evolution. Whether you have the palmaris longus muscle or not, it does not affect your daily life—but it does provide an interesting insight into our biological history. Try this test for yourself and see if you have this vestigial muscle!
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