If you’ve ever been curious about the remnants of human evolution, one of the most fascinating and simple tests you can do involves checking for the presence of the palmaris longus tendon in your forearm. This small tendon, once thought to be crucial for climbing and grasping in our primate ancestors, has gradually become unnecessary for modern humans. In fact, studies show that about 10% to 15% of the population is missing this tendon entirely—and they don’t even notice it.
How to Check for the Palmaris Longus Tendon
Checking whether you have the palmaris longus tendon is incredibly easy and doesn’t require any special tools. Just follow these simple steps:
- Place your hand flat on a surface or hold it up in front of you.
- Touch your thumb to your pinky finger.
- Slightly flex your wrist by lifting your hand toward you while keeping your fingers pressed together.
If you have the palmaris longus tendon, you should see a thin band of tissue pop up on the inside of your wrist, running vertically down toward your forearm. If you don’t see or feel this band, don’t worry—it just means you’re among the percentage of people who have lost this tendon to evolution.
Why Is the Palmaris Longus Tendon Disappearing?
The palmaris longus tendon was once an essential structure for primates that needed a strong grip to climb trees and navigate their arboreal environments. As humans evolved to walk upright and rely less on climbing, this tendon gradually lost its functional importance. With advances in tools, technology, and the development of fine motor skills, the need for an extra tendon diminished.
Today, the absence of the palmaris longus tendon has no noticeable effect on strength, dexterity, or overall function. Surgeons even use this tendon for reconstructive procedures since harvesting it does not cause any loss of function.
To find out if you still have your tendon, you can try a quick test at home. Start by laying your forearm on a flat surface with your palm facing upward. Next, bring your pinky finger to touch your thumb and gently lift your hand off the surface.
Fun Facts About the Palmaris Longus Tendon
- Not Everyone Is Missing It: Even if you don’t see the tendon in one arm, you might have it in the other. It’s not uncommon for people to have the tendon in only one forearm.
- Global Variability: Studies have shown differences in the prevalence of the tendon’s absence across populations. For example, people of Asian and Native American descent are more likely to lack the tendon compared to those of European descent.
- Animal Comparisons: Many animals, such as lemurs and some monkeys, still rely heavily on the palmaris longus tendon for climbing and grasping. This highlights its evolutionary importance in certain species.
Evolution in Action
The gradual disappearance of the palmaris longus tendon is a perfect example of how evolution continues to shape the human body. While major evolutionary changes often take thousands or even millions of years to become noticeable, smaller changes like this one can be observed within a few generations.
As society advances and humans rely less on certain physical abilities, it’s possible that other body parts or features may also become vestigial or disappear entirely. For example, wisdom teeth and the appendix are other remnants of evolutionary past that are no longer essential for modern human survival.
Should You Be Concerned?
If you don’t have the palmaris longus tendon, there’s no reason for concern. Its absence doesn’t impact your strength, flexibility, or ability to perform daily tasks. In fact, if you ever require tendon reconstruction surgery, not having this tendon may even be a slight advantage since surgeons won’t have to remove it from your body.
Conclusion
Checking for the palmaris longus tendon is a fun and easy way to explore the fascinating remnants of human evolution. Whether you have it or not, it’s a reminder of how our bodies have adapted and changed over time. So go ahead, give it a try—and marvel at the small yet incredible ways evolution continues to shape us.
James Anderson is a seasoned journalist and the primary author of many articles on usaunfiltered24.com. With a keen eye for current events and trends, James has built a reputation for delivering timely, insightful content on a wide range of topics, from breaking news to popular culture. His ability to simplify complex issues and present them in an engaging way has made him one of the go-to writers for readers seeking reliable information. With years of experience in the media industry, James is known for his thorough research and commitment to providing readers with accurate and up-to-date news, making him a trusted voice in the world of journalism.