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Metacarpal Bones Anatomy: Bones of the Palm
Metacarpal Bones Anatomy: Bones of the Palm
Includes labeled diagrams, downloadable notes, anatomy quizzes, and interactive learning tools
The palm contains five long bones called metacarpals, numbered one to five starting from the thumb. These bones lie between the carpal bones and the finger bones.
The first metacarpal, which belongs to the thumb, is shorter, stronger, and more mobile than the others. It is separate from the other metacarpals, allowing greater movement.
The second and third metacarpals are firmly fixed and do not move much.
The fourth and fifth metacarpals have some forward and backward movement, especially the fifth, which helps with strong gripping actions.
Each metacarpal has a base (near the wrist), a shaft (body), and a head (near the fingers). The base connects with the carpal bones and sometimes with neighboring metacarpals. The head connects with the proximal phalanx of each finger and forms the knuckles.
The shafts of the metacarpals are slightly curved, with rough areas for muscle attachment. The bases are broader and connect with the wrist bones, while the heads are rounded and form joints with the fingers.
Need a recap? Take a look at the metacarpal bones anatomy notes here.
Need a recap? Take a look at the metacarpal bones anatomy notes here.
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References
References
Gray, H. (1918). Anatomy of the human body (W. H. Lewis, Ed.; 20th ed.). Lea & Febiger.
J. Gordon Betts, Kelly A. Young, James A. Wise, Eddie Johnson, Brandon Poe, Dean H. Kruse, Oksana Korol, Jody E. Johnson, Mark Womble, Peter DeSaix. (2013, April 25). Anatomy and Physiology. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology/pages/8-2-bones-of-the-upper-limb.
Based on OpenStax, Anatomy and Physiology (2013), licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology/pages/1-introduction.
Content paraphrased; adaptations were made.
Sobotta, J. (1914). Atlas and text-book of human anatomy (J. P. McMurrich, Ed.; W. H. Thomas, Trans.). W.B. Saunders Company.
Image Credis
Image Credis
Images used in this guide and games are from the following source:
Sobotta, J. (1914). Atlas and text-book of human anatomy (J. P. McMurrich, Ed.; W. H. Thomas, Trans.). W.B. Saunders Company.
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