H A Balcioglu holds the position of Associate Professor in the Department of Anatomy at Istanbul University, Faculty of Dentistry. He then worked as a Research Assistant in the Department of Anatomy for five years and completed the PhD program, while he also worked in private dental practice. He took part in administrative activities associated with his roles as a Faculty Board Member. He is currently a Member of the Board of Medical Specialties Reporting System Commission (TUKMOS) of Turkish Ministry of Health. He has lectured as an Invited Speaker in different symposiums, particularly about TMJ/TMD. His research interests relate primarily to TMJ/TMD, radiologic anatomy, anatomy education and acupuncture.

Even though it is a great challenge to define and discuss all the anatomical elements of the hand in detail in a time-limited lecture. It may be possible to review the basic architecture in a way presenting a clinical understanding. From the viewpoint of an anatomist, bones, joints, muscles and neurovascular structures ruling various patterns of action will be reviewed. Since several acupuncture

points are found on the hand and fingers, it is essential to have a sound knowledge of anatomy of the wrist, hand and fingers to manage the conditions by means of acupuncture.