BONES OF THE HAND ANATOMY

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

• The skeleton of the hand is composed of distinct segments that work together to provide structure and functionality
• These include the carpal bones forming the wrist, the metacarpal bones creating the palm, the phalanges which are the bones of the digits, and the sesamoid bones, small bones embedded within tendons
• The hand skeleton describes the following structures:
  • Carpal bones
  • Metacarpal bones
  • Phalanges
  • Sesamoid bones

CARPAL BONES

• Total: Eight carpal bones
• Arrangement: Two rows - Proximal and Distal

Proximal Row (Radial to Ulnar Side)

• Navicular (Scaphoid)
• Lunate
• Triquetral
• Pisiform

Distal Row

• Greater multangular (Trapezium)
• Lesser multangular (Trapezoid)
• Capitate
• Hamate

→ Read more about Carpal Bones Anatomy

METACARPAL BONES

• Total: Five metacarpal bones
• Numbering: Enumerated laterally from the thumb

Structure of Metacarpal Bones

• Body: The shaft of the metacarpal
• Base (Proximal End): Articulates with the carpal bones
• Head (Distal End): Articulates with the proximal phalanges

→ Read more about Metacarpal Bones Anatomy

PHALANGES

• Total: Fourteen phalanges
• Arrangement:
  • Three for each finger (proximal, middle, distal)
  • Two for the thumb (proximal, distal)

Structure of Phalanges

• Body:
  • Tapers distally
  • Dorsal surface: Convex
  • Volar surface: Concave
• Two Ends: Proximal and distal extremities for articulation

→ Read more about Phalanges of the Hand Anatomy

SESAMOID BONES

• Location: Palmar surface of the hand
• Typical Locations:
  • Two at the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb
  • One sometimes at the metacarpophalangeal joint of the little finger