Metacarpal bone

Definition

The metacarpal bones are the five long bones located in the palm of the human hand, connecting the wrist to each of the fingers. They are numbered from one to five starting with the thumb side of the hand.

Related terms

Phalanges: These are small bones that make up the fingers and toes, connected to the metacarpals at their proximal end.

Carpals: The eight small bones that make up the wrist joint and connect with the metacarpals to form part of the hand structure.

Ulna: One of two forearm bones, articulating at its distal end with one of the carpal bones (the lunate) and indirectly involved in forming part of the wrist joint