Metacarpus
Metacarpus
Metacarpus (pronunciation: /mɛtəˈkɑːrpəs/) is a term used in anatomy to refer to the intermediate part of the hand located between the wrist and the fingers.
Etymology
The term "metacarpus" is derived from the Greek words "meta," meaning after, and "karpos," meaning wrist. Thus, it refers to the part of the hand that is just beyond the wrist.
Description
The metacarpus consists of five long cylindrical bones, known as the metacarpal bones. These bones are numbered from one to five, starting from the side of the thumb (the first metacarpal) to the side of the little finger (the fifth metacarpal). Each metacarpal bone consists of a base, a shaft, and a head. The base articulates with the bones of the wrist, the shaft is the body of the bone, and the head articulates with the phalanges (bones of the fingers).
Related Terms
- Metacarpal bones: The five long bones in the metacarpus of the hand.
- Phalanges: The bones of the fingers that articulate with the metacarpal bones.
- Carpus: The eight small bones that make up the wrist and articulate with the metacarpal bones.
- Carpometacarpal joint: The joint at the base of the thumb, where the first metacarpal bone articulates with the carpus.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Metacarpus
- Wikipedia's article - Metacarpus
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