Our bodies are truly remarkable, a product of millions of years of evolution. From creatures not too different from modern-day chimpanzees, we have transformed into walking, talking beings capable of building societies, exploring space, and shaping our world in ways our ancestors never imagined.
Interestingly, though we live in a vastly different world today, our bodies remain largely unchanged from what they were twenty thousand years ago. Yet, evolution is still ongoing, though it’s so gradual that we rarely notice it. A fascinating example of this ongoing change is found in a small tendon in our wrists, linked to the evolution of our species.
The Palmaris Longus Tendon and Its Evolutionary Journey
This tendon is connected to a muscle known as the palmaris longus, and in some individuals, it has gradually been phased out of the anatomy. Research suggests that 10-15% of people no longer possess this tendon. For animals that rely on their forearms to move—like lemurs and monkeys—this muscle is essential for activities like swinging from branch to branch.
However, ground-dwelling apes, such as gorillas, have lost the use of this tendon over time. Similarly, humans, whose forearms are no longer crucial for movement, have also started losing the tendon. Though almost 90% of people still have it, evidence suggests that this tendon is slowly disappearing over generations.
Arm tendons. Credit / Shutterstock
How to Check If You’ve Lost the Palmaris Longus Tendon
To find out if you’ve lost this tendon, there’s a simple test you can do at home. Place your forearm on a flat surface with your palm facing up. Then, touch your pinky finger to your thumb and slightly lift your hand off the surface.
If you can see a pronounced band running down the middle of your wrist, that’s your palmaris longus tendon in action. If it’s absent, you might belong to the small group of humans who no longer carry this evolutionary feature.
It’s an intriguing glimpse into the gradual changes happening within our species, demonstrating how evolution continues to shape us—even in ways we might not immediately notice.
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Full Story
To learn more about fascinating human stories and evolution, check out these articles:
- Man Loses 360 Pounds Naturally: The Internet Rallies to Support His Next Step
- Tammy Hembrow’s Bikini Photos Stirring Controversy: Here’s Why Everyone’s Talking
These articles provide further insight into how the body, health, and even societal trends evolve, offering deeper perspectives into the ongoing changes within us.
