Washington Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Which nerve is associated with the little finger?

1. Median nerve

2. Ulnar nerve

3. Radial nerve

4. Digital nerve

The correct answer is: Ulnar nerve

The ulnar nerve is primarily responsible for the sensory and motor functions associated with the little finger. It innervates the muscles that control the movement of the little finger and provides sensation to its skin. Specifically, the ulnar nerve is involved in fine motor skills, allowing for nuanced movements such as grasping and pinching with the little finger. In contrast, the median nerve primarily controls movement and sensation in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger. The radial nerve mainly supplies the back of the arm and forearm, facilitating wrist and finger extension. The term "digital nerve" generally refers to the smaller branches of the ulnar and median nerves that innervate the fingers but does not specifically denote the nerve associated with the little finger as the ulnar nerve does. Therefore, the ulnar nerve is the correct choice in this context.