Which movement describes the thumb’s action to touch the fingertips?

The movement of the thumb that allows it to touch the fingertips is known as opposition. This unique movement involves the thumb rotating and moving across the palm towards the other fingers, enabling grasping and pinching actions that are crucial for tasks requiring precision, such as writing or picking up small objects.

Opposition is a distinctive feature of human hand anatomy that highlights the opposable nature of the thumb, setting it apart from the fingers. This capacity allows for a wide range of movements and enhances hand function, supporting fine motor skills essential in many daily activities.

In contrast, flexion refers to bending a joint, typically decreasing the angle between body parts, and would not describe the specific action of the thumb touching the fingers. Extension involves straightening a joint, which again does not apply to the action in question. Abduction refers to moving a body part away from the midline, which does not accurately capture the movement needed for the thumb to reach the fingertips. Therefore, opposition is the correct terminology for this thumb action.