Washington Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What does the digital nerve supply?

1. The palm of the hand

2. The fingers

3. The wrist

4. The knuckles

The correct answer is: The fingers

The digital nerve is primarily responsible for providing sensory innervation to the fingers. This means that it contributes to the feeling and sensation in each finger, allowing for the perception of touch, pain, and temperature. Each finger has its own set of digital nerves that branch out from the main nerves of the hand, specifically the median and ulnar nerves, which ensures that the fine motor skills and sensory functions of the fingers can operate effectively. In contrast, the other options refer to areas of the hand or arm that do not receive their primary sensory supply from the digital nerve. For example, while the palm of the hand is sensibly innervated, it primarily receives sensory input from the median and ulnar nerves, not exclusively from the digital nerve. The wrist is largely innervated by different nerves, and the knuckles, or the joints where the fingers meet the hand, also receive their sensory information from other nerve branches rather than solely from the digital nerve. Therefore, the digital nerve's main function is to supply the fingers, making that the most accurate answer.