metacarpals

Bones before fingers

Metacarpals are the five bones forming the palm of the hand, connecting the wrist to the fingers.

Each finger has one metacarpal at its base.

The term also applies to corresponding bones in animal forelimbs: The horse broke a metacarpal during the race.

Singular: metacarpal.

hand

knuckles

Finger-to-hand joints

fingersAppendages of the hand
thumbShort opposable digit
palmHand's flat interior

wrist · dorsum · thenar · grip · dexterity · prehension · flexion · extension · abduction · adduction

bones

phalanges

Bones of fingers, toes

metatarsalsMidfoot long bones
tarsalsAnkle region bones
radiusCenter-to-perimeter distance

ulna · humerus · scaphoid · lunate · trapezium · capitate · trapezoid · sesamoid · ossicles · epiphysis

injury

fracture

Split in hard material

breakInterrupt continuity
splintDevice immobilizing injured limbs
castPerformers, throw, or splint

dislocation · sprain · swelling · contusion · X-ray · reduction · immobilization · healing · callus · malunion

Categories

bonesskull, femur, tibia, skulls, humerus
musculoskeletalbone, bones, muscle, muscles, joint
skeletal systemskull, femur, tibia, fibula, humerus
handspalm, fingers, thumb, knuckles, fingertips
hands and feethand, foot, fingers, toes, thumb
primate bodyskull, ribcage, pelvis, vertebrae, femur

Opposites

anatomical position in hand

metacarpalscarpals

Wrist's skeletal components

phalanges · carpal bones

analogous foot structures

metacarpalsmetatarsals

Midfoot long bones

Family

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G