Metacarpal bone

The skeleton of the palm (metacarpus) is made up of five bones (ossa metacarpi). They correspond in shape to long bones, but rank among short bones (about 10 cm). It is located between the carpus and phalanges, where they are connected to both the carpal bones and the phalanges jointly. All joints are strengthened by ligaments from both sides. Each of the bones has its own characteristic feature, for example, os metacarpi I is the shortest. There are three parts:


 * basis – proximal extended end with articular fossa, mounts carpus;
 * corpus – body (corresponds to the diaphysis);
 * caput – distal extension of the bone, ossa digitorum mounts on it.



Related Articles

 * Bones of the upper limb
 * Muscles of the upper limb