Which of the following anatomic structures may be damaged if a person experiences finger pain after jamming it?

The distal extensor hood mechanism, also known as the extensor expansion or dorsal digital expansion, acts as a critical structure that allows the fingers to extend properly at the proximal interphalangeal joint. When a person jams a finger, this mechanism can be subjected to excessive stress or trauma, leading to pain and potential injury.

Injuries to this area can result in functional impairments, such as difficulties in extending the fingers or managing grip strength. These injuries often manifest as pain along the back of the finger, especially at the joint where the mechanism is involved.

While other structures, such as the flexor tendon sheath and collateral ligaments, may also be involved in finger injuries, the context of the question—specifically addressing the potential anatomical damage after jamming the finger—specifically points to the distal extensor hood mechanism as a likely source of pain. The carpal tunnel, on the other hand, is more associated with conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, which typically pertains to compression of the median nerve rather than direct trauma from jamming a finger.