From the top of the head a fringe of fur lies toward the forehead. On the arms the hair runs in both directions toward the elbow to help shed rainwater. Orangutans have an almost hairless dished face except that adults have whiskers on the cheek and chin. The skull is narrow and heavy. No neck is visible.
Muzzles are massive, rounded and protecting.
This enables the male's voice to carry half a mile. The orangutan has long arms and short legs. Legs may go at right angles to the body for better maneuverability in the trees. Hands are long, slender and prehensile with curved phalanges. The thumb is short and set close to the wrist.