Palmar subcutaneous fat

Tela subcutanea manus

Integumentary (skin)Fat & fasciaArmLeft and right

View left in 3D View right in 3D

What it is

Fibro-fatty pad of the palm, divided into small chambers by vertical fibrous bands that tie the skin to the palmar aponeurosis; thin and loose on the back of the hand.

Function

Cushions grip while stopping the palmar skin from sliding.

Size

~3–8 mm under the palm, 1–2 mm on the dorsum

Clinical note

Because the palmar skin is tethered, infections of the palm spread to the looser dorsal tissues, so a palm infection often shows as swelling on the back of the hand.