
Carpal Bones
- Scaphoid
- Lunate
- Triquetrum
- Pisiform (a sesamoid bone, formed within the tendon of the flexor carpi ulnaris)
Full Answer
What type of bone are the tarsals?
The tarsal bones consist of seven short bones located at the proximal region of the foot. They are arranged in proximal and distal rows. 1. Calcaneus bone: The largest tarsal bone that projects posteriorly as the heel. The calcaneal tuberosity on the plantar surface can be felt under the skin. 2.
What type of bone is the atlas bone?
The atlas bone is the uppermost bone of the spine. It plays an important role in supporting the head and creating the pivot joint, allowing the head to turn. It is also known as the first cervical, or C1, vertebra. This bone has a slightly different shape from the other vertebrae, most notably lacking a body and having a distinctive ring shape.
What type of bones are tarsal bones?
What are Tarsal Bones? Tarsus or ankle joint consists of seven tarsal bones. They are the talus, calcaneus, cuboid, navicular and three cuneiforms. Talus and calcaneus are in the hindfoot while cuboid and cuneiforms are in the midfoot. The navicular bone is an intermediate bone located between the two above groups.
What type of bones are in the forearm?
Ulna and Radius Fractures: What You Need to Know
- The forearm is made up of two bones, the ulna and the radius.
- A forearm fracture can occur in one or both of the forearm bones.
- Some of the causes include falls on the forearm or outstretched arm and direct impact from an object to the forearm.
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Which bone is the largest in the carpal?
The capitate bone is the largest of all the carpal bones, both proximally and distally. It is surrounded by the lunate bone proximally, the third metacarpal bone distally, the trapezoid bone laterally and the hamate bone medially.
Which bones are in the proximal row of the carpal?
The proximal row of carpal bones, as seen in a lateral to medial direction on the palmar surface, include: the scaphoid bone. the lunate bone. the triquetral bone. the pisiform bone. The distal row, as seen from the same viewpoint as above, includes: the trapezium bone. the trapezoid bone.
What is the triquetral bone?
The triquetral bone is shaped like a pyramid and, from a palmar perspective, its apex points disto-medially towards the pisiform bone, which is positioned upon its palmar facet. It sits upon the hamate bone, which is in the distal row of carpal bones and its base faces laterally and communicates with the lunate bone.
What is the lunate bone?
The lunate bone is a crescent shaped structure that has a large proximal articular surface which relates to the radial bone and its articular disk. It sits medially to the scaphoid bone, superior to the capitate bone and lateral to the triquetral bone. It may also sometimes come into contact with the hamate bone at its inferomedial angle.
What is the carpus of the wrist?
The carpus is the anatomical term for the wrist which connects the radius and ulna of the forearm with the metacarpal bones of the hand. It is comprised of eight individual carpal bones that are seated in two neat rows of four. The proximal row of carpal bones, as seen in a lateral to medial direction on the palmar surface, include:
What is the most common fracture of the carpal bone?
Scaphoid bone fracture. The most common fracture that ails one of the carpal bones is that of the scaphoid bone. It is most likely to sustain an injury during a fall where the person lands on their wrist when it is outstretched and trying to prevent the incident.
Which bone is bordered medially by the trapezoid bone?
The trapezium bone is bordered medially by the trapezoid bone and superiorly by the scaphoid bone. Inferolaterally, its main articulation is with the first metacarpal bone via a saddle shaped facet. Inferomedially however, it sometimes also articulates with the second metacarpal bone.
What is the carpal bone?
FMA. 23889. Anatomical terms of bone. The carpal bones are the eight small bones that make up the wrist (or carpus) that connects the hand to the forearm. The term "carpus" is derived from the Latin carpus and the Greek καρπός (karpós), meaning "wrist".
How many carpal bones are there?
Carpal bones. Labelled image showing the eight carpal bones. The carpal bones are the eight small bones that make up the wrist (or carpus) that connects the hand to the forearm. The term "carpus" is derived from the Latin carpus and the Greek καρπός (karpós), meaning "wrist".
What is the proximal row of the carpal?
The proximal row (comprising scaphoid, lunate, and triquetrum) articulates with the surfaces of the radius and distal carpal row, and thus constantly adapts to these mobile surfaces. Within the proximal row, each carpal bone has slight independent mobility. For example, the scaphoid contributes to midcarpal stability by articulating distally with the trapezium and the trapezoid. In contrast, the distal row is more rigid as its transverse arch moves with the metacarpals.
What are the two bones that make up the carpus?
The carpus and tarsus are both described as podial elements or (clusters of) podial bones. In some macropods, the scaphoid and lunar bones are fused into the scapholunar bone. In crustaceans, "carpus" is the scientific term for the claws or "pincers" present on some legs.
How many bones are in the carpus?
In primitive fossil amphibians, such as Eryops, the carpus consists of three rows of bones; a proximal row of three carpals, a second row of four bones, and a distal row of five bones. The proximal carpals are referred to as the radiale, intermediale, and ulnare, after their proximal articulations, and are homologous with the scaphoid, lunate, and triquetral bones respectively. The remaining bones are simply numbered, as the first to fourth centralia (singular: centrale ), and the first to fifth distal carpals. Primitively, each of the distal bones appears to have articulated with a single metacarpal.
How many longitudinal columns are there in the carpal bone?
Biomechanically and clinically, the carpal bones are better conceptualized as three longitudinal columns:
Which bones of the foot allow the wrist to move vertically?
The corresponding part of the foot is the tarsus. The carpal bones allow the wrist to move and rotate vertically.
How many carpal bones are there?
Reports exist of over twenty accessory carpal bones, with the most common variants being the os centrale carpi, the os radiale externum, the triangular bone, and the styloideum bone. Other cases of additional carpal bones may involve split bones of the scaphoid, lunate, and even the hamate. Anatomical variants causing extra carpal bones arise due to a failure of fusion from carpal bone ossification centers. Last, congenital anomalies causing fewer carpal bones can occur either due to congenital absence of normal bone (which mainly occurs with the scaphoid, lunate, or triquetrum) or from a coalition between two carpal bones, which most commonly involves the lunate and triquetrum. [8]
What are the bones of the wrist?
The carpal bone s are bones of the wrist that connect the distal aspects of the radial and ulnar bones of the forearm to the bases of the five metacarpal bones of the hand. There are eight carpal bones, which divide into two rows: a proximal row and a distal row. The proximal row of carpal bones (moving from radial to ulnar) are the scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, and pisiform, while the distal row of carpal bones (also from radial to ulnar) comprises the trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, and hamate. These bones make up most of the skeletal framework of the wrist and allow different neurovascular structures and tendons that enter the wrist to reach certain muscle groups and bony structures, respectively and provide the innervation and blood supply necessary for them to function.
What injuries can you get from a carpal?
Other carpal injuries include hook of the hamate fractures and lunate dislocation:
What are the sites of origin for the extrinsic and intrinsic muscles of the hand?
Some carpal bones serve as sites of origin or as sites of insertion for the extrinsic and intrinsic muscles of the hand. The flexor carpi ulnaris is the only extrinsic muscle that inserts onto carpal bones, specifically the pisiform and hook of the hamate, and the base of the fifth metacarpal bone, which allows it to flex and adduct the wrist joint. All the intrinsic muscles have their origin sites on the carpal bones . The thenar muscles, which include the opponens pollicis, abductor pollicis brevis, and flexor pollicis brevis, have origin sites that involve the prominent tubercles of the scaphoid and trapezium. The adductor pollicis takes its origin from the capitate and the second and third metacarpal bones. Last, the hypothenar muscles such as the abductor digiti minimi, flexor digiti minimi brevis, and opponens digiti minimi, originate from the pisiform and hook of the hamate. [7]
How do the bones of the hand help the hand grasp?
In general, the bones of the hand find their arrangement in three arches: one longitudinal arch, spanning the hand lengthwise, and two transverse arches, one at the level of the metacarpal head and the second transverse arch at the level of the carpus. This anatomy mechanically contributes to the hand's ability to grasp objects. In particular, the arrangement of the carpal bones in a transverse arch makes up the floor of the carpal tunnel and provides support and protection to the finger flexor tendons and the median nerve. Moreover, the scaphoid and trapezium both have prominent tubercles projecting anteriorly that not only contribute significantly to the bony anatomy of the carpal tunnel but also provide a supporting base for the thumb to allow it to oppose the rest of the hand and, thus, further enhance the hand’s ability to grasp objects. [1]
What is the first chondrogenic center to appear as immature cartilage?
By the seventh week, the carpal chondrification process begins. The capitate and the hamate carpal bones are the first chondrogenic centers to appear as immature cartilage early in the eighth week while the pisiform is the last to appear later in the eighth week. The hamulus, otherwise known as the “hook of the hamate,” also appears as an immature cartilaginous tissue towards the end of the eighth week and does not complete its development until the thirteenth week. Last, in the fourteenth week, a vascular bud penetrates the lunate cartilage mold, an early sign of the osteogenic process that will complete during the first year of life. [3]
Which artery supplies the thumb and the lateral side of the index finger?
The radial artery, ulnar artery, and their anastomoses provide the blood supply of the wrist. The radial artery predominantly supplies the thumb and the lateral side of the index finger while the ulnar artery supplies the rest of the digits and the medial side of the index finger. In particular, vascular supply takes place via the anastomotic network consisting of three dorsal and three palmar arches, which arise from both the radial and ulnar arteries, that overlie the carpal bones.[4] The scaphoid, capitate, and a minority of lunates (20%) all have one intraosseous vessel supply. Of note, the scaphoid has a single blood supply from the radial artery that enters from the distal portion of the bone to supply the proximal portion, thus making its proximal pole most vulnerable to avascular necrosis. The trapezoid and hamate both have two areas of blood supply without intraosseous anastomoses. The trapezium, triquetrum, pisiform, and most lunates (80%) have two areas of blood supply and consistent intraosseous anastomoses. Therefore, the rest of the carpal bones, excluding the scaphoid, capitate, and the minority of lunates, have a lower risk of developing avascular necrosis following a fracture. [5]
What is the short bone that connects the carpals to the tendons?
The carpals (wrist bones), tarsals (ankle and heel bones), and the patella (kneecap) are all short bones. Some experts consider the patella a sesamoid bone (discussed below) because it primarily provides an anchor point for tendons and ligaments.
What are the bones of the arm and leg?
Long bones are so-called because they are longer than they are wide. Long bones in the arm include the humerus, radius, ulna, metacarpals, and phalanges. Long bones of the leg include the femur, tibia, fibula, metatarsals, and phalanges.
What is the epiphysis made of?
The wall of the epiphysis is made of compact bone like the diaphysis and the center contains spongy bone. Spongy bone is made of many small cavities (also called medullary cavities) filled with red bone marrow. 4 Red bone marrow manufactures red blood cells and is very well connected to the circulatory system. 5 There is so much blood flow through the spongy bone, that needles inserted into the spongy bone of the humerus, of the femur, or of the sternum (not a long bone as you'll see below) can be used to administer fluid or medications just like an intravenous line. 6
What is the head of the humerus called?
The head of the humerus fits into a socket in the shoulder. That type of joint is called a ball-and-socket joint. Joints that only allow movement along one axis are called hinge joints. The wall of the epiphysis is made of compact bone like the diaphysis and the center contains spongy bone.
What is the shaft of the long bone called?
Diaphysis. The diaphysis is the shaft of the long bone, the main body. The diaphysis is a tube with a hollow center called the medullary cavity (or marrow cavity). The wall of the diaphysis is made up of compact bone, which is dense and very hard. For most of the life of a long bone, the center of the diaphysis is filled with yellow bone marrow.
Why are short bones called short bones?
Short bones are called that because they about as wide as they are long. There is no diaphysis on a short bone. It is made up of spongy bone surrounded by compact bone just like the epiphysis. Short bones also contain red bone marrow.
Why do bones develop?
Sometimes, bones will develop due to friction along tendons or ligaments. Usually, these are very small bones and develop randomly between individuals. They are not named. Some anatomists consider the patella an example of sesamoid bone.

Structure
- The carpal bones in the human wrist are arranged in two rows the proximal carpal row, articulating with the lower arm bones radius and ulna, and the distal carpal row, articulating with the metacarpals.
Function
- All the joints involving the carpal bones are synovial joints, where the articulation surface has a flexible cartilage layer, along with a fluid lining to allow for better freedom of movement [22]. Carpometacarpal Joints: Those connecting the metacarpals and the distal carpal bones. The carpometacarpal joint of the thumb has a characteristic saddle shape, which makes the thumb …
Examples
- The Radiocarpal Joint: Those between the radius and the proximal carpal bones (except pisiform) [8].
Society and culture
- Intercarpal Joints: Articulations between the carpal bones in hand are an example of gliding joints [9] (a type of synovial joint). The bones meet and articulate on a nearly flat surface, and they need to glide past the adjacent bones in different directions during movement [10].
Classification
- The ligaments in this area can be classified into separate groups depending on the bones involved in their attachment. The radioscaphocapitate and the long and short radiolunate ligaments joint the radius with various carpal bones. Similarly, the ulnolunate and ulnocapitate ligaments attach the ulna with the lunate and capitate bones respectively [14].
Clinical significance
- Additionally, there are multiple ligaments that keep the carpal bones in place by attaching them with each other. These include the lunotriquetral, trapeziotrapezoid, scaphotrapezial, scaphotrapezoidal, scaphocapitate, capitotrapezoid, capitohamate, and triquetrohamate ligaments [14]. Fracture and Dislocation: The wrist is most frequently injured among all joints in the human …
Others
- Other conditions that may involve the wrist include torn ligaments, arthritis, overuse injuries, and joint infections [21].
Overview
The carpal bones are the eight small bones that make up the wrist (or carpus) that connects the hand to the forearm. The term "carpus" is derived from the Latin carpus and the Greek καρπός (karpós), meaning "wrist". In human anatomy, the main role of the wrist is to facilitate effective positioning of the hand and powerful use of the extensors and flexors of the forearm, and the mobility of individual carpal bones increase the freedom of movements at the wrist.
Structure
The eight carpal bones may be conceptually organized as either two transverse rows, or three longitudinal columns.
When considered as paired rows, each row forms an arch which is convex proximally and concave distally. On the palmar side, the carpus is concave and forms the carpal tunnel, which is covered by the flexor retinaculum. The proximal row (comprising scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum an…
Development
The carpal bones are ossified endochondrally (from within the cartilage) and the ossific centers appear only after birth. The formation of these centers roughly follows a chronological spiral pattern starting in the capitate and hamate during the first year of life. The ulnar bones are then ossified before the radial bones, while the sesamoid pisiform arises in the tendon of the flexor carpi ulnaris after more than ten years. The commencement of ossification for each bone occurs over …
Function
There are four groups of ligaments in the region of the wrist:
1. The ligaments of the wrist proper which unite the ulna and radius with the carpus: the ulnar and radial collateral ligaments; the palmar and dorsal radiocarpal ligaments; and the palmar ulnocarpal ligament. (Shown in blue in the figure.)
2. The ligaments of the intercarpal articulations which unite the carpal bones with one another: the radiate carpal ligament; the dorsal, palmar, and
There are four groups of ligaments in the region of the wrist:
1. The ligaments of the wrist proper which unite the ulna and radius with the carpus: the ulnar and radial collateral ligaments; the palmar and dorsal radiocarpal ligaments; and the palmar ulnocarpal ligament. (Shown in blue in the figure.)
2. The ligaments of the intercarpal articulations which unite the carpal bones with one another: the radiate carpal ligament; the dorsal, palmar, and interosseo…
Other animals
The structure of the carpus varies widely between different groups of tetrapods, even among those that retain the full set of five digits. In primitive fossil amphibians, such as Eryops, the carpus consists of three rows of bones; a proximal row of three carpals, a second row of four bones, and a distal row of five bones. The proximal carpals are referred to as the radiale, intermediale, and ulnare, after their proximal articulations, and are homologous with the scaphoid, lunate, and triqu…
Etymology
The Latin word "carpus" is derived from Greek καρπὁς meaning "wrist". The root "carp-" translates to "pluck", an action performed by the wrist.
See also
• Carpal tunnel
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• List of mnemonics
Notes
1. ^ Kingston 2000, pp 126-127
2. ^ Platzer 2004, p 124
3. ^ Schmidt-Lanz 2003, p 29
4. ^ Thieme Atlas of Anatomy 2006, p 224