Which nerve provides sensation to the tip of the thumb?

The median nerve is responsible for providing sensation to the tip of the thumb. This nerve primarily innervates the anterior (palmar) aspect of the hand and gives sensory branches that reach the skin of the thumb, index finger, and parts of the middle finger. Understanding this function is essential for healthcare professionals, especially when assessing hand injuries or conditions that may affect nerve function.

In contrast, the ulnar nerve primarily supplies the little finger and a portion of the ring finger on the palmar side, as well as the skin on the medial aspect of the hand. The radial nerve is mainly responsible for sensation on the back of the hand, particularly the thumb and the first two or three fingers, but not the tip. The musculocutaneous nerve primarily innervates the muscles in the anterior compartment of the arm and does not play a role in sensation in the hand at the tip of the thumb. This understanding highlights the specialized functions of each nerve in the upper extremity.