Next Lesson - Muscles of the Forearm
Abstract
There are 27 bones in the hand that interact with each other to allow for complex movements. There are three categories of bones in the hand:
- Carpals – there are eight carpal bones: scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, pisiform, trapezium, trapezoid, capitate and hamate.
- Metacarpals – there are five metacarpals, one for each digit.
- Phalanges – there are three phalanges for each digit, except for the thumb which has two phalanges.
Core
There are 27 bones in the hand, which all interact with each other to allow for complex movements in the hand. There are some striking similarities when comparing the bones in the hand with those in the feet – especially when considering arrangement. The bones can be compartmentalised into three categories:
- Carpals
- Metacarpals
- Phalanges
There are eight, irregularly shaped bones. They articulate to allow for correct positioning of the fingers. When analysing the arrangement, the bones can be placed into rows:
In the proximal row, moving lateral to medial:
- Scaphoid
- Lunate
- Triquetrum
- Pisiform
In the distal row, moving lateral to medial:
- Trapezium
- Trapezoid
- Capitate
- Hamate
The distal row of carpal bones articulates with the metacarpals whilst the scaphoid and lunate bones, in the proximal row, form the wrist joint with the radius.
These bones can be difficult to remember. A mnemonic to remember this is: 'Some lovers try positions that they can't handle'.
Like in the foot, where there are five metatarsals, there are five metacarpals in the hand; one for each digit. The base is most proximal, whilst the head is most distal. The bases of the metacarpals articulate with the carpal bones, whilst the heads articulate with the proximal phalanges to form the first knuckle.
There are three phalanges in each digit (with exception for the thumb, which only has two). These articulate with each other via interphalangeal joints, whilst the proximal phalanx articulates with its respective metacarpal via metacarpophalangeal joints.
Diagram - Illustrates the arrangement of bones in the left hand
Creative commons source by Mariana Ruiz Villarreal (LadyofHats) and Kolossos, edited by Sachin Sudhakaran [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]
For Pathologies and Conditions of the Hand, check out our articles on Conditions of the Hand.
Reviewed by: Dr. Thomas Burnell
Edited by: Dr. Maddie Swannack
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