First metacarpal bone: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Bone of the hand}}
{{Short description|Bone of the hand}}
{{Bone}}
{{Human bone}}


The '''first metacarpal bone''' is one of the five [[metacarpal bones]] of the [[hand]]. It is unique among the metacarpals due to its role in the [[thumb]]'s wide range of motion, which is essential for [[opposable thumb|opposition]] and [[prehensile grip]].
The '''first metacarpal bone''' is the bone in the hand that is located at the base of the thumb. It is unique among the metacarpal bones due to its distinct shape and function, allowing for the wide range of motion of the thumb.


==Anatomy==
==Anatomy==
The first metacarpal bone is the shortest and most robust of the metacarpals. It is located at the base of the thumb and articulates proximally with the [[trapezium bone]] of the [[wrist]] and distally with the [[proximal phalanx]] of the thumb.
[[File:First_metacarpal_bone_(left_hand)_01_palmar_view_with_label.png|thumb|right|Palmar view of the first metacarpal bone of the left hand.]]
The first metacarpal bone is shorter and thicker than the other [[metacarpal bones]]. It articulates proximally with the [[trapezium bone]] and distally with the [[proximal phalanx]] of the thumb. The base of the first metacarpal is saddle-shaped, which allows for the [[opposable thumb]] movement.


===Structure===
===Structure===
The first metacarpal consists of a base, shaft, and head:
[[File:Gray234_-_First_metacarpal_bone.png|thumb|left|Diagram of the first metacarpal bone.]]
The first metacarpal bone consists of a base, a shaft, and a head. The base is broad and articulates with the trapezium. The shaft is slightly curved and the head is rounded, forming the knuckle of the thumb.


* '''Base''': The base of the first metacarpal is saddle-shaped, allowing for the unique [[saddle joint]] articulation with the trapezium. This joint is crucial for the thumb's wide range of motion.
===Articulations===
* '''Shaft''': The shaft is slightly curved and robust, providing strength and support for thumb movements.
The first metacarpal bone articulates with the trapezium at the carpometacarpal joint, which is a saddle joint. This joint allows for a wide range of thumb movements, including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and opposition.
* '''Head''': The head of the first metacarpal is rounded and articulates with the proximal phalanx of the thumb, forming the [[metacarpophalangeal joint]].


[[File:First_metacarpal_bone.png|thumb|right|Diagram of the first metacarpal bone.]]
==Function==
 
The primary function of the first metacarpal bone is to support the thumb and enable its wide range of motion. This bone plays a crucial role in the [[prehensile grip]] and [[precision grip]] of the hand, allowing humans to perform complex tasks.
===Muscle Attachments===
Several muscles attach to the first metacarpal, contributing to thumb movement:
 
* The [[abductor pollicis longus]] inserts on the lateral side of the base, aiding in thumb abduction.
* The [[opponens pollicis]] attaches along the shaft, facilitating thumb opposition.


==Function==
==Development==
The first metacarpal bone plays a critical role in the function of the thumb, enabling a wide range of movements including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and opposition. These movements are essential for grasping and manipulating objects, making the thumb a key component of the [[prehensile hand]].
The first metacarpal bone ossifies from two centers: one for the shaft and one for the base. Ossification begins in the shaft during fetal development and in the base during early childhood.


==Clinical Significance==
==Clinical significance==
Injuries to the first metacarpal bone can significantly impair hand function. Common injuries include:
[[File:Rolando_fracture.jpg|thumb|right|X-ray showing a Rolando fracture of the first metacarpal.]]
Fractures of the first metacarpal bone can occur due to trauma. Common types of fractures include the [[Bennett's fracture]] and the [[Rolando fracture]]. These fractures can affect the function of the thumb and may require surgical intervention.


* '''Fractures''': The first metacarpal is susceptible to fractures, often resulting from falls or direct trauma. A common type of fracture is the [[Bennett's fracture]], which involves a fracture-dislocation at the base of the first metacarpal.
==Imaging==
* '''Arthritis''': The [[carpometacarpal joint]] of the thumb is a common site for osteoarthritis, leading to pain and reduced mobility.
[[File:Gray219_-_First_metacarpal_bone.png|thumb|left|X-ray of the first metacarpal bone.]]
[[File:Gray220_-_First_metacarpal_bone.png|thumb|right|Another view of the first metacarpal bone.]]
Imaging techniques such as X-rays are used to diagnose fractures and other conditions affecting the first metacarpal bone. These images help in planning treatment and assessing the healing process.


==Related Pages==
==Related pages==
* [[Metacarpal bones]]
* [[Metacarpal bones]]
* [[Thumb]]
* [[Trapezium bone]]
* [[Opposable thumb]]
* [[Opposable thumb]]
* [[Bennett's fracture]]
* [[Bennett's fracture]]
* [[Carpometacarpal joint]]
* [[Rolando fracture]]


[[Category:Human anatomy]]
[[Category:Metacarpal bones]]
[[Category:Skeletal system]]
[[Category:Upper limb anatomy]]

Latest revision as of 14:12, 21 February 2025

Bone of the hand


Template:Human bone

The first metacarpal bone is the bone in the hand that is located at the base of the thumb. It is unique among the metacarpal bones due to its distinct shape and function, allowing for the wide range of motion of the thumb.

Anatomy[edit]

Palmar view of the first metacarpal bone of the left hand.

The first metacarpal bone is shorter and thicker than the other metacarpal bones. It articulates proximally with the trapezium bone and distally with the proximal phalanx of the thumb. The base of the first metacarpal is saddle-shaped, which allows for the opposable thumb movement.

Structure[edit]

Diagram of the first metacarpal bone.

The first metacarpal bone consists of a base, a shaft, and a head. The base is broad and articulates with the trapezium. The shaft is slightly curved and the head is rounded, forming the knuckle of the thumb.

Articulations[edit]

The first metacarpal bone articulates with the trapezium at the carpometacarpal joint, which is a saddle joint. This joint allows for a wide range of thumb movements, including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and opposition.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the first metacarpal bone is to support the thumb and enable its wide range of motion. This bone plays a crucial role in the prehensile grip and precision grip of the hand, allowing humans to perform complex tasks.

Development[edit]

The first metacarpal bone ossifies from two centers: one for the shaft and one for the base. Ossification begins in the shaft during fetal development and in the base during early childhood.

Clinical significance[edit]

X-ray showing a Rolando fracture of the first metacarpal.

Fractures of the first metacarpal bone can occur due to trauma. Common types of fractures include the Bennett's fracture and the Rolando fracture. These fractures can affect the function of the thumb and may require surgical intervention.

Imaging[edit]

X-ray of the first metacarpal bone.
Another view of the first metacarpal bone.

Imaging techniques such as X-rays are used to diagnose fractures and other conditions affecting the first metacarpal bone. These images help in planning treatment and assessing the healing process.

Related pages[edit]