Carpal bones | Wrist bones Carpal bones | Wrist bones Carpal bones Introduction: Bones of the wrist are called carpal bones. They are small bones, 8 in number that make synovial joints with each other and thus add to the mobility of human hand. The carpal bones are arranged in two rows: First (Proximal) Row: The first or proximal row is made of: (from radial to ulnar side) Scaphoid The second or distal row is made of: (from radial to ulnar side) Trapezium Carpal bones of Proximal row: Scaphoid: The scaphoid is the largest and the most lateral bone of the first row. Lunate: Named because of its deeply excavated form, the lunate lies between the scaphoid on the lateral side and the triquetral on the medial side. Triquetral (Cuneiform): This bone may be recognized by the small oval or circular facet for the pisiform on its anterior surface. The bone is placed obliquely, so that its surfaces cannot be accurately described as distal, proximal, etc.

It is attached to Lunate on the lateral side and pisiform of the antero-medial side. Pisiform: About the size and shape of a large pea, the pisiform bone rests on the anterior surface of the triquetral, with which it articulates by an oval or circular facet on its dorsal aspect. Carpal Bones of Distal row: Trapezium: The trapezium is the most lateral bone of the distal row of the carpus. It may be readily recognized by the oval saddle-shaped facet on its distal surface for articulation with the metacarpal bone of the thumb. Trapezoid Bone: With the exception of the pisiform, the Trapezoid is the smallest of the carpal bones. Its rough anterior surface is small and pentagonal in outline. Capitate: This is the largest of the carpal bones. Its anterior surface is rough and rounded. The proximal portion of the bone forms the head, and is furnished with convex articular facets which fit into the hollows on the medial surface of the scaphoid and distal surface of the lunate.

Hamate: The hamate can be readily distinguished by the hook-like process (hamulus) which projects from the distal and medial aspect of its anterior surface. The Carpus as a whole: When the carpal bones are articulated together they form a bony mass, the dorsal surface of which is convex from side to side. Anteriorly they present a grooved appearance, concave from side to side. This arrangement is further emphasized by the forward projection, on the medial side, of the pisiform and hamate, while laterally the tuberosity of the scaphoid and the ridge of the trapezius help to deepen the furrow by their elevation. To these four points the transverse carpal ligament is attached, which stretches across from side to side, and thus converts the furrow into a canal. Ossification of Carpal bones: At birth the carpus is entirely cartilaginous. Different bones of the carpus take different length of time to ossify. The following data shows the time taken by each bone to ossify.

Capitate = 11 to 12 months Hamate = 12 to 14 months Triquetral = 3 years Lunate = 5 to 6 years Traprzium = 6 years Trapezoid = 6 to 7 years Pisiform = 10 to 12 years Share this page: Hand and Wrist - Anatomy Pictures and Information Home > Skeletal System > Bones of the Arm and Hand > Hand and Wrist Hand and Wrist The bones of the hand and wrist provide the body with support and flexibility to manipulate objects in many different ways. Each hand contains 27 distinct bones that give the hand an incredible range and precision of motion. The forearm's ulna and radius support the many muscles that manipulate the bones of the hand and wrist. Rotation of the radius around the ulna results in the supination and pronation of the hand. These bones also form the flexible wrist joint with the proximal row of the carpals.... Move up/down/left/right: Click compass arrows Rotate image: Click and drag in any direction, anywhere in the frame Identify objects: Click on them in the image Full Hand and Wrist Description [Continued from above] . . .

There are eight small carpal bones in the wrist that are firmly bound in two rows of four bones each. The mass that results from these bones is called the carpus. The carpus is rounded on its proximal end, where it articulates with the ulna and radius at the wrist. The carpus is slightly concave on the palmar side, forming a canal known as the carpal tunnel through which tendons, ligaments, and nerves extend into the palm. Its distal surface articulates with the metacarpal bones, which are joined to the carpus by the palmar carpometacarpal ligaments. The five long, thin metacarpal bones of the palm extend from the carpus to each of the digits of the hand. Each metacarpal is numbered I to V with metacarpal I connecting to the bones of the thumb, II connecting to the index finger, III connecting to the ring finger, and so on. Movement of the metacarpals by tiny muscles in the hand allows the palm to be stretched, compressed, and folded as needed.

The distal head of the metacarpals is rounded to form a condyloid (oval) joint with the phalanges of the fingers. These condyloid joints allow 360-degree motion of the fingers at their bases. Each of the digits of the hands contains 3 phalanges (singular: phalanx) except for the thumbs that contain only 2. The phalanges are long, slender bones that form hinge joints between each other. Phalanges that articulate with the metacarpals at the base of the digits are known as the proximal phalanges. The phalanges at the end of each digit are called the distal phalanges. In all of the digits except for the thumb the middle phalanges are found between the proximal and distal phalanges. Muscles in the forearms flex and extend the phalanges by pulling on long tendons that run through the wrist and hand. Prepared by Tim Taylor, Anatomy and Physiology Instructor Carpal Bones Anatomy, Funtions, Injuries and Fractures Carpal Bones are one the most important structures of the human body. Read on to know about the definition, anatomy and functions of these bones.

What are Carpal Bones? These are eight tiny bones that are found between the five metacarpals and the distal ends of ulna and the radius. These are considerably different in size and are arranged into two rows, each consisting of four bones. Picture 1 – Carpal Bones Source – fpnotebook As the bones are short, they have a compact bone construction that surrounds a porous or cancellous bone center. The carpal bones come together to form a joint with the long bones of the forearm. It joins proximally with the radius and the ulna and distally with the five metacarpals that cluster together to make the palm. The bones of the proximal carpal rows are often called as Radial bones Ulnar bones Accessory bones The bones in the distal row are often regarded as the first, second, third, and fourth carpal bones. What Does Carpal Bone Mean? The term Carpal Bone stands for the bones that are located in the Carpus or the wrist.

The carpus is a complicated bone joint that allows Adduction and abduction in the front level of the upper extremity Pronation and supination in the coronal level Flexion and extension for hand movements The eight bones of the Carpus are known as the lunate, scaphoid, capitate, hamate, trapezium,triquetrum, trapezoid, and pisiform. Anatomy The proximal carpal bone row lies near the radius and the ulna. It extends from the lateral side or the side of hand that lies farthest from the body to the medial side or the side that lies closest to the midsection of the body.Â It consists of the bones which are named Lunate, Scaphoid, Pisiform and Triquetrum. The distal row of carpal bones that lies at the farthest position from the ulna and the radius consists of the Trapezoid, Hamate, Trapezium and Capitate. The eight carpal bones of the hand, when viewed together, appear as a concave structure from the front. This indicates that they have an inbound curve. It forms a shallow dip or an indent when looked at from the front.

When watched from the back, the carpal bones tend to appear as a convex structure, which means that they pop out outward. The indentured carpal bones form the carpal tunnel, under the cover of the flexor Retinaculum. Function The anatomical placement of the carpal bones helps them form a joint. Carpal bones of wrist are responsible for rotation and flexibility of the wrist and hand of human beings. Cartilage surrounds four surfaces of the carpal bones. The presence of cartilage allows the bones or the joint to articulate and smoothly move against each another, without causing any discomfort or pain. It is only when this cartilage degenerates that the bones scrape against one another and gives rise to pain that may range from mild to acute. Injuries The carpal bones are highly susceptible to injury. This is due to their structure as well as the range of movement in the wrist. Injuries of the carpal bone generally take place while performing sports activities. Injuries may also result from repetitive motion as well as falls. Most injuries take place when the wrist is placed in a flexed position. An injury in the carpal bones gives rise to pain and extreme discomfort.

The carpal bones, ligaments, and tendons are under maximum stress when they are flexed. In case of an injury in the carpal bones X Ray examination is carried out for diagnosis. An X Ray examination helps in accurately depicting broken carpal bones. Fractures Usually, a carpal bone fracture does not involve a crack in the skin. This is known as a closed fracture. Carpal fractures may be either unstable or stable. The fragments can displaced out of their usual position or non-displaced in usual alignment. Carpal fractures can arise with joint dislocation or without it. The most common fractures are displaced to a minor degree. Carpal fractures usually happen when a person suffers a fall and the impact of the plunge is on the outstretched hand. Some other causes involve Motor vehicle accidents Collisions between participants in sports activities A sudden hit to the palm by a golf club or baseball bat Carpal fractures are quite common injuries in sportspersons, laborers and gymnasts. Stress carpal bone fractures can arise in individuals who are going through repetitive injury such as while using a jackhammer. The posture of the hand during impact and the intensity of forces exercised on the hand decide which carpal bone is fractured.

When baseball bats, sports racquets, or golf clubs hit a static object with excessive force, the curved part of the Hamate bone can suffer a fracture. Common Carpal Bone Fractures The carpal bone that is most commonly fractured is the Scaphoid. Scaphoid fractures are the most crippling type of Carpal Bone injuries. They need treatment for a longer period of time. Surgery is commonly used for cure. Scaphoid fractures are more susceptible to complications than other carpal bone fractures. The second most frequent carpal fracture is the one in the triquetrum. This carpal bone is generally fractured when the person falls on one outstretched hand and the wrist is in ulnar position. The third most frequent carpal fracture is of the Lunate. Fracture of this bone can result in KienbÃ¶ck’s disease in which the bone turns granular, fragmented and soft. KienbÃ¶ck’s disease is supposed to result from repetitive stress. Approximately 18% of hand fractures happen due to fracture of the Carpal bones. The most commonly fractured bones are the ones in the proximal carpal row.

Scaphoid fractures account for about 60 to 70 percent of all carpal bone injuries. References: Gliding Joint - Pivot Joints Home > Skeletal System > Bones of the Leg and Foot > Types of Joints > Gliding Joint Gliding Joint A gliding joint, also known as a plane joint or planar joint, is a common type of synovial joint formed between bones that meet at flat or nearly flat articular surfaces. Gliding joints allow the bones to glide past one another in any direction along the plane of the joint – up and down, left and right, and diagonally. Slight rotations can also occur at these joints, but are limited by the shape of the bones and the elasticity of the joint capsule surrounding them.... Move up/down/left/right: Click compass arrows Rotate image: Click and drag in any direction, anywhere in the frame Identify objects: Click on them in the image 2D Interactive 3D Rotate & Zoom Change Anatomical System Change View Angle Full Gliding Joint Description [Continued from above] . . . Unlike most synovial joints, the angle formed between the bones at a gliding joint does not change significantly – just their position relative to one another.

The basic structure of synovial joints provides flexibility to gliding joints while limiting their movements in order to prevent injury. Synovial membrane lining the joint capsule produces oily synovial fluid to lubricate the joint and reduce friction. The fibrous joint capsule and its associated ligaments hold the bones together, limiting the extent to which they can glide and preventing dislocation. Articular cartilage between the bones provides a smooth, rubbery surface that both aids in the gliding motion and acts as a shock absorber during impacts to the bones. Many gliding joints are formed in the appendicular skeleton between the carpal bones of the wrist; between the carpals and the metacarpals of the palm; between the tarsal bones of the ankle; and between the tarsals and the metatarsals of the foot. These small bones form many flattened facets between one another to provide exceptional flexibility to the hands and feet. The acromioclavicular (AC) joint of the shoulder is another gliding joint that greatly increases the flexibility of the shoulder and provides a pivot point for the shoulders to be elevated or depressed around. Gliding joints are also formed in the axial skeleton throughout the neck and trunk to improve the flexibility of these regions.

Two sets of gliding joints in the thoracic region – one set between the sternum (breast bone) and ribs at the sternocostal joints, and the other between the vertebrae and ribs at the vertebrocostal joints – permit the ribs to elevate and depress slightly and change the volume of the thoracic cavity. These slight rib movements are necessary to perform the vital process of breathing. Another set of gliding joints is found between the facets of the twenty-six vertebrae at the intervertebral joints. These gliding joints allow for the flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation of the trunk while maintaining the strength of the vertebral column that supports the body’s weight and protects the spinal cord. Prepared by Tim Taylor, Anatomy and Physiology Instructor BBC Science & Nature - Human Body and Mind - Skeleton Layer Flexibility: Joints enable your body to move Ball and socket joints: Are the most mobile type of joint in your body Saddle joints: Enable you to grasp things Where bones meet Joints are the place where two bones meet. All of your bones, except for one (the hyoid bone in your neck), form a joint with another bone.

Joints hold your bones together and allow your rigid skeleton to move. Fixed joints Some of your joints, like those in your skull, are fixed and don't allow any movement. The bones in your skull are held together with fibrous connective tissue. Slightly movable joints Other joints, such as those between the vertebrae in your spine, which are connected to each other by pads of cartilage, can only move a small amount. Synovial joints Most of your joints are 'synovial joints'. They are movable joints containing a lubricating liquid called synovial fluid. Synovial joints are predominant in your limbs where mobility is important. Ligaments help provide their stability and muscles contract to produce movement. The most common synovial joints are listed below: Ball and socket joints, like your hip and shoulder joints, are the most mobile type of joint in the human body. They allow you to swing your arms and legs in many different directions. Ellipsoidal joints, such as the joint at the base of your index finger, allow bending and extending, rocking from side to side, but rotation is limited. Gliding joints occur between the surfaces of two flat bones that are held together by ligaments.

Some of the bones in your wrists and ankles move by gliding against each other. Hinge joints, like in your knee and elbow, enable movement similar to the opening and closing of a hinged door. The pivot joint in your neck allows you to turn your head from side to side. The only saddle joints in your body are in your thumbs. The bones in a saddle joint can rock back and forth and from side to side, but they have limited rotation. 6 Types of Synovial Joints | LIVESTRONG.COM 6 Types of Synovial Joints by DR. DREW SCOTT Last Updated: Nov 11, 2012 Dr. Drew Scott Dr. Drew Scott is a naturopathic doctor practicing in Portland, Ore., as a family physician and health consultant. Dr. Scott writes on health and lifestyle related subjects and is an avid proponent of developing and practicing good choices today for a healthy and vibrant future. 6 Types of Synovial Joints Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images Overview There are many types of joints in the body including fibrous, cartilaginous and synovial joints.

The synovial joints are characterized by the presence of synovial fluid within a space that encapsulates the articulating surfaces (surfaces that touch each other) of the joint. The synovial capsule reduces the friction between the bones allowing more smooth movement. There are six types of synovial joints: gliding, condoloid, saddle, hinge, ball and socket, and pivot joints. Gliding Joints Gliding joints allow for smooth movement in several directions along a plane or other smooth surface. The articulation is like two plates sliding across each other. An example would be the carpal bones of the wrist, which form a gliding synovial joint. Condyloid Joints Similar to gliding joints, condyloid joints are somewhat different in that they have an irregular surface where the bones move past one another. This type of joint is like two bowls nested together. The radio-carpal joint of the wrist is an example of a condyloid synovial joint. Saddle Joints Saddle joints are characterized by two bones that fit together in a manner similar to a rider in a saddle. This sort of articulation allows bending motion in several directions without sliding.

The carpal-metacarpal joint of the thumb is an example of a saddle synovial joint. Hinge Joints Hinge joints, as the name implies, are hinged joints formed between two bones. A hinge joint allows for stable flexion and extension without sliding or deviation. The elbow joint between the humerus and ulna is a hinge synovial joint. Ball and Socket Joint Ball and socket joints allow for stable movement in several directions without slippage. Like a saddle joint, the ball and socket joint allows bending in several directions without slipping, creating a highly stable, strong joint. The hip joint (femur-acetabulum) is an example of a ball and socket synovial joint. Pivot Joints A pivot joint is a joint in which rotational motion occurs without gliding movement. This type of joint allows for turning motions without sideways displacement or bending. The joint between the first and second cervical vertebrae (atlas-axis) is a pivot synovial joint and allows for most of the head's range of motion while maintaining the stability of the head on the neck. Related Searches Lose Weight.

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© 1998-2017 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. Wrist Joint Anatomy: Overview, Gross Anatomy, Natural Variants Wrist Joint Anatomy Author: Benjamin Z Phillips, MD, MPH; Chief Editor: Thomas R Gest, PhD more... Share Overview Overview The wrist is a complex joint that bridges the hand to the forearm. It is actually a collection of multiple bones and joints. The bones comprising the wrist include the distal ends of the radius and ulna, 8 carpal bones, and the proximal portions of the 5 metacarpal bones (see the images below). Bones of the wrist, palmar view. View Media Gallery All of these bones participate in complex articulations that allow variable mobility of the hand. Relative to the forearm, the hand is capable of 3 degrees of freedom: (1) flexing and extending, (2) pronating and supinating, and (3) deviating ulnarly or radially. [ 1 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ] In order to maintain mobility without sacrificing stability, the wrist joint has a complex configuration of ligaments, as shown in the following images.

Ligaments of the wrist, palmar view. Next: Gross Anatomy The anatomic linkage between the distal forearm and the hand is composed of 15 bones: 8 carpal bones, the distal radius and ulnar, and the bases of the 5 metacarpals. Carpal bones The carpal bones are organized into 2 groups, a proximal row and a distal row. The proximal row is found at the level of the distal wrist crease and includes the scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, and pisiform. The second row of carpal bones, the distal row, is made up of the trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, and hamate; the distal row articulates with the bases of the 5 metacarpal bones. The proximal carpal row bones represent an intercalated segment, as no tendons insert upon them. [ 10 ] For this reason, their movement is dependent entirely on mechanical forces from surrounding articulations. The bones of the distal row are closely adherent to each other via intercarpal ligaments (see the images below).

These bones are also tightly bound to the metacarpal bones, representing the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint. In particular, the ligamentous connection between the trapezoid and capitate to the index (second) and middle (third) finger metacarpals, respectively, are so rigid that the distal carpal row has been considered a component of a fixed hand unit that moves in response to musculotendinous forces generated from the forearm. [ 11 ] Ligaments of the wrist, dorsal view. View Media Gallery The joints of the wrist are surrounded by a fibrous capsule and are held together by an array of ligaments that provide carpal stability by linking the bones both dorsally and volarly (see the following images). These carpal ligaments are divided into 2 groups: intrinsic ligaments that originate and insert on carpal bones and extrinsic ligaments that bridge carpal bones to the radius or metacarpals. [ 12 ] Ligaments of the wrist, palmar view.

Extrinsic ligaments, volar Radioscaphocapitate ligament Located ulnar to the radial collateral ligament, the radioscaphocapitate ligament originates from the radial styloid process, passes beneath the waist of the scaphoid, and inserts onto the capitate, creating a sling to support the scaphoid. [ 1 ] Long radiolunate ligament The long radiolunate ligament originates at the distal radius from the volar aspect of scaphoid fossa. The proximal attachment is partially overlapped by the radioscaphocapitate ligament. It inserts radially on the distal surface of the lunate as well as the volar segment of the scapholunate interosseous ligament without directly attaching to the scaphoid. The long radiolunate ligament provides stability to counteract ulnar or distal translocation of the lunate. The space of Poirier represents an area of weakness between the long radiolunate and radioscaphocapitate ligaments at the level of the midcarpal joint.

[ 1 ] Short radiolunate ligament The short radiolunate ligament originates at the distal radius on the ulnar and volar edge of the lunate fossa and inserts into the volar aspect of the lunate. Its insertion is located proximal to the insertion of the ulnolunate ligament. The short radiolunate ligament has a potential role in lunate stabilization. [ 1 , 13 ] Radioscapholunate ligament The radioscapholunate ligament is found between the long and short radiolunate ligaments at the distal radius in the region spanning the scaphoid and lunate fossa. The radioscapholunate ligament attaches distally between the volar and proximal segments of the scapholunate interosseous ligament at both the scaphoid and lunate. This ligament is not considered a true ligament, because it is composed of vascular and neural elements and no ligamentous tissue. [ 13 ] For this reason, it does not add any substantial mechanical support.

[ 1 ] Ulnolunate ligament The ulnolunate ligament's origin is radial to the ulnocapitate ligament at the base of the ulnar styloid process. Distally, it inserts on the ulnar side of the lunate, distal to the insertion of the short radiolunate ligament. [ 1 ] Ulnocapitate ligament The ulnocapitate ligament is proximally attached at the fovea of the ulnar head, with its insertion distally attached onto the proximal and volar region of capitiate (see the image below). [ 1 ] Volar carpal ligaments and bones.

AIA = anterior interosseous artery; C = capitate; CH = capitohamate; H = hamate; L= lunate; LRL = long radiolunate ligament; P = pisiform; PRU = palmar radioulnar ligament; R = radius; RA = radial artery; RSC = radioscapholunate ligament; S = scaphoid; SC = scaphocapitate ligament; SRL = short radiolunate ligament; T = triquetrum; TC = triquetrocapitate ligament; Td = trapezoid; TH = triquetrohamate ligament; Tm = trapezium; TT = trapeziotrapezoid ligament; U = ulna; UC = ulnocarpal ligament; UL = ulnolunate ligament; UT = ulnotriquetral ligament. The intercarpal ligaments are secondary stabilizers of the scapholunate joint.

[ 1 ] Radiocarpal ligament The radiocarpal ligament originates from the ulnar and dorsal portion of distal radius between the dorsal radial (Lister) tubercle and the ridge between the scaphoid and lunate fossa. It inserts distally onto the proximal and dorsal tubercles of the triquetrum and the lunate. [ 1 ] Intrinsic ligaments, volar Lunotriquetral ligament The lunotriquetral ligament originates from ulnar side of the lunate and attaches to the triquetrum distal to the attachment of the ulnolunate ligament and radial to the lunotriquetral interosseous ligament. [ 1 ] Trapeziotrapezoid ligament The trapeziotrapezoid ligament attaches to the ulnar aspect of the trapezium and passes ulnarly to the radial edge of the trapezoid. [ 1 ] Scaphotrapezial ligament Composed of 2 branches, a radial branch and an ulnar branch, both branches of the scaphotrapezial ligament are attached to the radial and volar aspect of the scaphoid tuberosity.

The 2 branches travel distally and diverge, forming a V shape. The radial branch attaches to the radial aspect of the trapezium, whereas the ulnar branch attaches to the proximal side. [ 1 ] Scaphotrapezoidal ligament Along with the scaphotrapezial ligament, the scaphotrapezoidal ligament supports the scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal joint. It attaches to the distal and volar aspect of the scaphoid tuberosity and inserts distally onto the proximal edge of the trapezoid. [ 1 ] Scaphocapitate ligament The scaphocapitate ligament attaches radially to the ulnar and volar side of the distal pole of the scaphoid and ulnarly to the radial and volar aspect of the capitate. [ 1 ] Capitotrapezoid ligament The capitotrapezoid ligament originates on the ulnar and volar side of the trapezium and spans the trapezoid to attach to the radial and volar aspect of the capitate.

[ 1 ] Capitohamate ligament The capitohamate ligament attaches to the ulnar region of the capitate and travels ulnarly to the radial edge of the hamate. [ 1 ] Triquetrocapitate ligament The triquetrocapitate ligament attaches proximal to the volar and radial edge of the triquetrum and inserts distal to the ulnar and volar edge of the capitate. [ 1 ] Triquetrohamate ligament The triquetrohamate ligament proximally attaches to the distal edge of the triquetrum and distally to the dorsal edge of hamate.

Three types of relationships exist between the triquetrocapitate and triquetrohamate ligaments, as follows: Type A: The triquetrocapitate ligament is separate from the triquetrohamate ligament Type B: The triquetrocapitate ligament overlaps the triquetrohamate ligament Type C: The triquetrocapitate ligament has an additional ligament from the triquetrum to the proximal pole of the hamate Intrinsic ligaments, dorsal Intercarpal ligament The intercarpal ligament overlaps the dorsal portion of the scapholunate interosseous ligament, with its origin being the distal and radial aspect of the dorsal tubercle of the triquetrum. A lateral "V" configuration with the apex toward the triquetrum is formed by the dorsal intercarpal and dorsal radiocarpal ligaments, providing indirect dorsal stability to the scapholunate complex during wrist motion. [ 14 ] Along with the radiocarpal ligament, the intercarpal ligament maintains carpal stability and alignment while preventing dorsal intercalated segment instability (DISI) and volar intercalated segment instability (VISI) deformities.

[ 1 ] Trapeziotrapezoid ligament The trapeziotrapezoid ligament is found at the ulnar edge of the trapezium and travels ulnarly the radial edge of the trapezoid. [ 1 ] Capitotrapezoid ligament The capitotrapezoid ligament is attached to the ulnar edge of the trapezoid and passes ulnarly to the distal and radial aspect of the capitate. [ 1 ] Capitohamate ligament Composed of distal and proximal ligaments, the distal component of the capitohamate ligament originates on the distal side of the ulnar edge of the capitate and attaches to the distal side of the radial edge of the hamate. The proximal ligament originates on the ulnar edge of the capitate and attaches to the proximal side of radial edge of the hamate. [ 1 ] Triquetrohamate ligament Attached proximally to the distal and radial edge of triquetrum, the triquetrohamate ligament inserts distally to the proximal and volar edge of the hamate.

[ 1 ] Interosseous ligaments Scapholunate ligament The scapholunate ligament connects the scaphoid and lunate along the proximal joint surface and is the primary stabilizer of the scapholunate articulation. It is composed of 3 structures: (1) a volar portion, (2) a dorsal portion, and (3) a proximal portion. The dorsal portion is the thickest of the 3 structures and the most critical of the scapholunate joint stabilizers. [ 15 , 16 ] Disruption of the ligament allows the lunate to extend when the scaphoid is flexed, creating a dorsal intercalated segment instability (DISI) deformity (see the image below). [ 1 , 17 ] Dorsal/volar intercalated segmental instability (DISI/VISI). View Media Gallery Lunotriquetral ligament The lunotriquetral ligament attaches the lunate and triquetrum along the proximal joint surface.

Similar to the scapholunate interosseous joint, this ligament is described as having 3 distinct structures: (1) a volar portion, (2) a dorsal portion, and (3) a proximal portion. Injury to the lunotriquetral ligament permits lunate flexion with a normally aligned scaphoid, creating a volar intercalated segment instability (VISI) deformity (see the image above). [ 1 , 17 ] Trapeziotrapezoid ligament The trapeziotrapezoid ligament joins the trapezium and trapezoid. It is found entirely within the trapeziotrapezoid joint, attaches to the volar side of the ulnar aspect of the trapezium, and travels ulnarly to the distal radial edge of the trapezoid. [ 1 ] Capitotrapezoid ligament Like the trapeziotrapezoid interosseous ligament, the capitotrapezoid ligament is found within the joint space. It attaches the capitate to the trapezoid.

This ligament travels from the central region of the ulnar side of the trapezoid to the distal, radial side of the capitate. [ 1 ] Capitohamate ligament The capitohamate ligament passes from the center of the ulnar side of the capitate into the radial side of the hamate. This ligament is found entirely within the joint. [ 1 ] Previous bones of the human body – ScienceUnraveled.com bones of the human body Illustration of Location of Bones in Human Body The bones of the human body make up the skeletal system. In humans and all vertebrates the skeletal system is an endoskeleton, meaning within the body rather than an exoskeleton seen in insects or arthropods.An adult human skeleton consists of 206 bones. To better understand the human skeleton the bones are divided into axial and appendicular. The axial skeleton forms the trunk and skull of the body while the appendicular skeleton forms the internal support of both the upper and lower extremities. The next few tables and images should better illustrate the different bones of the human body. Axial Skeleton 2 Coxae 2 The total number of bones in the appendicular skeleton is 126 bones.

The arms in the human body are composed of two humeri, two radial bones, two ulnae, sixteen carpals, seven metacarpals, and 28 phalanges. The wrist is composed by the eight meta carpal bones. The row of bones closer to the heart are the proximal row and contain the scaphoid, lunate, triquetrium, and pisiform. The row of bones in the wrist farther from the heart is the distal row composed of the trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, and hamate. The legs also have 60 bones, each composed of a femur, patella, tibia, seven tarsals, ten metatarsals, fourteen phalanges. The foot is composed of the seven tarsal bones: the talus, navicular, cuboid, calcaneus, and three cuneiform bones. Both the fingers and toes are referred to as digits. Each finger and toe contains three phalanges, except the thumb and big two which are composed of two. The arms are connected to the axial skeleton by the pectoral girdle which is composed of two clavicles and two scapulae.

The legs are attached to the axial skeleton via the pelvic girdle where the thigh bone (femur) joins at the acetabular fossa of the coxal bone. Each of the coxal bones are are formed from the fusion of the ilium, pubis, and ischium. This breakdown of the human skeleton should help to visualize the location of the specific bones.

Question: Where on the human body would you locate the carpal bones?
Answer: WRIST