Which nerve is tested by sensation at the volar tip of the little finger?

Which nerve is tested by sensation at the volar tip of the little finger?

• A. Ulnar
• B. Median
• C. Radial
• D. Axillary

Answer: (A)

Testing sensory distribution on the palm side of the little finger targets the ulnar nerve. The ulnar nerve supplies the palmar surface of the little finger and the ulnar half of the ring finger, including the volar fingertip. In contrast, the median nerve covers the palm side of the thumb, index, middle, and the radial half of the ring finger; the radial nerve supplies the dorsolateral hand and the dorsal aspects of the digits, not the volar tip; and the axillary nerve innervates the shoulder region. So sensation at the volar tip of the little finger best reflects the integrity of the ulnar nerve.

Testing sensory distribution on the palm side of the little finger targets the ulnar nerve. The ulnar nerve supplies the palmar surface of the little finger and the ulnar half of the ring finger, including the volar fingertip. In contrast, the median nerve covers the palm side of the thumb, index, middle, and the radial half of the ring finger; the radial nerve supplies the dorsolateral hand and the dorsal aspects of the digits, not the volar tip; and the axillary nerve innervates the shoulder region. So sensation at the volar tip of the little finger best reflects the integrity of the ulnar nerve.