Doctors,
by what method is my ring finger connected to my little finger? I am talking about when you curl your little finger, the ring finger will follow it. Is there any purpose to this feature? Is there any way to STOP it happening?
Neuromuscular habit.
Efficiency.
Practice.
IANAD, but I have these bits of info floating around in my head.
First, I know the pinky and half of the ring finger share a nerve. For sure a sensory nerve (it’s noticable when only that part of my hand falls asleep), so maybe they share a motor nerve, too?
Also, could the tendons that control those two fingers be connected?
Ahh, last semester I bought a book called The Hand, but of course I didn’t move it with me.
The tendons for those two fingers are partially connected. While exercising and stretching the two fingers will allow slightly more independent movement, the only way to really change the situation is surgery. Good luck convincing a hand surgeon to do this.
Practise is indeed the answer.
IANAD, but my sister and I got silly with the “Spock” greeting thing as youngsters, and both of us practised with all of our fingers.
One result of that (aside from being a wierdo), I can move my little fingers (including curling) while all other fingers stay still.
A good range of replies, thanks guys.
Like aenea, on my right hand only, I am able to move my pinky almost independently of my ring finger, but it can be controlled. My left hand is a loss, no matter how much I exercise or stretch, which prompted this thread.
From my own experience I would say that the effect of the partially connected tendons can be counteracted by practice, excercise and good muscle control (better than i have in my left hand anyway.)