Eight small bones arranged in two rows that form the bony framework of the wrist.
Structure
The proximal row contains the scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, and pisiform. The distal row contains the trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, and hamate. Each bone has facets that articulate with neighbors and with the bones above and below.
Movement
The radiocarpal and midcarpal joints together allow flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and a complex circumduction motion. Strong ligaments between the bones keep the rows aligned during loading.
Carpal tunnel
The carpal bones form a concave arch that becomes a tunnel when bridged by the flexor retinaculum. The median nerve and the flexor tendons of the fingers pass through this confined space.
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Carpals starts with C and ends with S. Browse other body parts along the same letter.
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