Metacarpophalangeal joints
Metacarpophalangeal Joints
The Metacarpophalangeal Joints (pronounced: meh-tuh-kar-poh-fuh-lan-gee-ul joints), often abbreviated as MCP joints, are the joints in the human hand that connect the metacarpal bones to the proximal phalanges.
Etymology
The term "Metacarpophalangeal" is derived from the Greek words "meta" meaning beyond, "carpus" meaning wrist, and "phalanx" referring to a bone of the finger or toe.
Anatomy
The metacarpal bones are the five long bones in the hand. The proximal phalanges are the bones in the fingers and thumb that are closest to the hand. The MCP joints are the knuckles of the hand, and they play a crucial role in the hand's ability to grip and manipulate objects.
Function
The MCP joints allow for flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and circumduction of the fingers. This wide range of motion is due to the unique structure of the joints, which includes a synovial membrane, articular cartilage, and a joint capsule.
Related Terms
- Interphalangeal joints: These are the joints between the phalanges of the fingers and toes.
- Carpometacarpal joints: These are the joints between the carpal bones and the metacarpal bones.
- Synovial joints: These are the most common and most movable type of joint in the body of a mammal.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Metacarpophalangeal joints
- Wikipedia's article - Metacarpophalangeal joints
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