3D CONTENT
3D OSTEOLOGY
3D UPPER LIMB

METACARPAL BONES ANATOMY

Author: Dr. Bogdan Leahu
← Carpal Bones Phalanges of Hand →
Metacarpal bones anatomy 360-degree interactive viewer showing complete bone structure with base, body, and head
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

  • The metacarpal bones are five in total, numbered I to V from the thumb to the little finger
  • Each metacarpal has a distinct structure consisting of:
    • Body (shaft)
    • Base at the proximal end
    • Head at the distal end
  • These bones form the framework of the palm
  • Contribute to hand mobility and strength

METACARPAL STRUCTURE

Base (Proximal End)

  • Structure:
    • Cuboidal in shape
    • Broader at the posterior than the anterior
  • Function:
    • Articulates with one or more carpal bones
    • Articulates with adjacent metacarpal bones
  • Features:
    • Dorsal and volar surfaces are rough for ligament attachment

Body (Shaft)

  • Structure:
    • Prismoid shape
    • Curved longitudinally:
      • Convex posterior surface
      • Concave anterior surface
  • Surfaces:
    • Medial surface
    • Lateral surface
    • Dorsal surface

Head (Distal End)

  • Structure:
    • Oblong in shape
    • Convex from front to back
    • Less convex transversely
  • Function:
    • Articulates with the proximal phalanx

THIRD METACARPAL BONE

Third metacarpal bone 360-degree viewer showing styloid process on lateral dorsal side of base and pyramidal projection
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Third Metacarpal Bone, Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.

Size

  • Smaller than the second metacarpal

Styloid Process

  • Location:
    • Lateral dorsal side of the base
  • Structure:
    • Pyramidal projection
  • Function:
    • Attachment point for the Extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Henry G, Warren HL. Osteology. In: Anatomy of the Human Body. 20th ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 1918. p. 129–97.

QUICK FACTS: METACARPAL BONES

Key questions answered about this anatomy topic

Q: How many metacarpal bones are there in each hand?

Answer: Five. There are five metacarpal bones in each hand, numbered I to V from the thumb to the little finger.

Q: What are the three main parts of a metacarpal bone?

Answer: Base, body, and head. Each metacarpal bone consists of a base at the proximal end, a body (shaft), and a head at the distal end.

Q: What is the shape of the metacarpal base (proximal end)?

Answer: Cuboidal. The base of the metacarpal is cuboidal in shape and is broader at the posterior than the anterior.

Q: What does the metacarpal base articulate with?

Answer: Carpal bones and adjacent metacarpal bones. The metacarpal base articulates with one or more carpal bones and with adjacent metacarpal bones.

Q: What is the shape of the metacarpal body (shaft)?

Answer: Prismoid. The body of the metacarpal has a prismoid shape and is curved longitudinally with a convex posterior surface and concave anterior surface.

Want to test yourself? Try the interactive quiz above!

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