The Bones Of The Hand And WristThe bones of the hand consist of eight Carpal bones (wrist), five Metacarpals (palm), and fourteen Phalanges (fingers).
Carpal Bones (Wrist)
The eight carpal bones are collectively known as the Carpus, or wrist. Most people think that their wrist is where their watch sits but is more towards the lower section of the palm. The bones of the Carpus consist of the Scaphoid, Lunate, Triquetral, Pisiform, Hamate, Capitate, Trapezoid, and the Trapezium. The Scaphoid and Lunate articulate with the Radius, to form the wrist joint.
Metacarpal Bones (Palm)
The five metacarpals are collectively known as the Metacarpus. They don’t have individual names but instead are numbered 1 to 5, starting from the thumb to the little finger. The metacarpals connect to the wrist and the phalanges. When you make a fist, it is the top of the metacarpals that stick out (Knuckles).
Phalanges (Fingers)
Each finger has three phalanges, a distal, middle, and proximal, except the thumb which just has the distal and proximal. The thumb is also known as the Pollex.
The Wrist A. Lunate
Articulates with the Triquetral, Scaphoid, Hamate, Capitate, and Radius.
B. Triquetral
Articulates with the Hamate, Lunate, Pisiform, and the Ulna.
C. Pisiform
Articulates directly with Triquetral bone, and indirectly via cartilage with the Ulna.
D. Hamate
Also known as the Unciform bone, it articulates with the fourth an fifth metacarpals and the Triquetral.
E. Capitate
The largest bone of the wrist, it articulates with the Trapezoid, Hamate, Scaphoid, Lunate, and the second, third and fourth Metacarpals.
F. Trapezoid
Articulates with the second Metacarpal, Trapezium, Capitate, and the Scaphoid.
G. Trapezium
Articulates with the first and second Metacarpal, Trapezoid, and the Scaphoid.
H. Scaphoid
Articulates with the Radius, Trapezius, Trapezoid, Capitate, and Lunate.
I. Metacarpals (Palm)
The Metacarpals join the wrist with the fingers. They are numbered 1 - 5 starting on the thumb side. They articulate with the Proximal Phalanges and when you clench your fist, it is the head of the Metacarpal that sticks out (knuckles).
J. Proximal Phalange
This bone articulates with the Middle Phalange (Distal in the Pollex) and the Metatarsal. It can be found at the start of our finger.
K. Middle Phalange
The Middle Phalange can be found just below the Distal Phalange. Each finger has one except the Pollex (thumb) which only has a distal and proximal.
L. Distal Phalange
The Distal Phalange is found at the end of each finger.
For information on this section, go to: Forearm Bones
M. Radius
N. Ulna