Median nerve sensory distribution includes which digits?

• A. Thumb, index finger, and middle finger
• B. Thumb and index finger
• C. Middle finger and part of ring finger
• D. Thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger

Answer: (D)

The amount of sensation in the hand that the median nerve provides is on the radial (lateral) side: the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and the radial half of the ring finger. This distribution covers the palmar surfaces of these digits and, at the fingertips, the distal dorsal tips as well. The reason is that the median nerve sends digital nerves to these digits, supplying their skin. The little finger and the ulnar half of the ring finger are served by the ulnar nerve, not the median nerve. So the digits with median nerve sensation are precisely the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger.