Washington Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Which nerve is responsible for sensation in the fingers?

1. The median nerve

2. The digital nerve

3. The ulnar nerve

4. The radial nerve

The correct answer is: The digital nerve

The digital nerve is primarily responsible for sensation in the fingers. It is a branch of the median, ulnar, or radial nerves that specifically innervates the skin of the fingers, allowing for tactile sensations such as touch, temperature, and pain. This nerve is crucial in facilitating the sensory feedback that is vital for fine motor skills and grip function. While the median nerve, ulnar nerve, and radial nerve all contribute to overall hand function and sensation, they do so in broader regions and are not specifically designated as digital nerves. The digital nerves branch off from these primary nerves to provide targeted sensory input to each finger. Therefore, when discussing the function of sensory nerves in the fingers, the digital nerve is the precise answer highlighting its specific role.