Metacarpal bones

Metacarpal Bones

The Metacarpal Bones (pronunciation: /ˌmetəˈkärpəl/) are a group of five long bones in the hand, located between the wrist (carpal bones) and the fingers (phalanges). The metacarpal bones are numbered from one to five, starting on the thumb side of the hand.

Etymology

The term "metacarpal" is derived from the Greek words "meta," meaning after, and "carpus," meaning wrist. Thus, the metacarpal bones are those found "after the wrist."

Structure

Each metacarpal bone consists of three parts: the base, the shaft, and the head. The base is the part closest to the wrist, the shaft is the long, slender part of the bone, and the head is the rounded end of the bone, which articulates with the phalanges.

Function

The metacarpal bones are responsible for the mobility and flexibility of the hand. They allow for a wide range of movements, including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and circumduction.

Related Terms

Carpal Bones: The eight small bones that make up the wrist, or carpus.
Phalanges: The bones of the fingers and toes.
Metacarpophalangeal Joints: The joints between the metacarpal bones and the phalanges.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Metacarpal bones
Wikipedia's article - Metacarpal bones

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Metacarpal bones