What is the back of the human hand called?

The formal name for the back of the human hand is ‘Opisthenar’ – a word derived from ancient Greek by combining ópisthen meaning ‘back’,  and thénarmeaning ‘the palm’.

In anatomical terms, the back side of your hand is also called ‘the dorsum of the hand’.  Interestingly, dorsum, a Latin word, is a general term used for referring to ‘the back’ in human and animal anatomy. For example, the top of your foot or that of a cat’s paw – both would be called ‘the dorsum’.

The human hand is a unique structure containing 27 bones, 34 muscles, and 48 nerves. Scientists call it a marvel of natural engineering. And rightly so!