LUNATE BONE Meaning and
Definition
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The lunate bone is a small, moon-shaped carpal bone that is situated within the wrist joint of the human hand. It is one of the eight carpal bones, which collectively form the carpal tunnel. The lunate bone is positioned between the radius and the proximal row of carpal bones, specifically adjoining the scaphoid bone proximally and the triquetrum bone distally.
Anatomically, the lunate bone features a convex, smooth surface on its superior side, which articulates with the distal end of the radius bone to form the radiocarpal joint. On its inferior side, the bone displays a concave, rougher surface that contributes to the formation of the midcarpal joint. These articulations enable proper mobility and flexibility of the wrist joint during various movements.
The lunate bone serves as a crucial link between the radius and the carpal bones, participating in the transmission of forces across the wrist joint. It also plays a significant role in maintaining stability and proprioception of the wrist, contributing to fine motor control and grip strength. Injuries to the lunate bone, such as fractures or dislocations, can result in limited wrist movement, referred to as lunate instability or Kienbock's disease.
Understanding the anatomical structure and function of the lunate bone is essential for orthopedic surgeons, anatomists, and healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of wrist disorders and injuries.
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Semilunar bone, os lunatum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LUNATE BONE
- kunate bone
- punate bone
- ounate bone
- lynate bone
- lhnate bone
- ljnate bone
- linate bone
- l8nate bone
- l7nate bone
- lubate bone
- lumate bone
- lujate bone
- luhate bone
- lunzte bone
- lunste bone
- lunwte bone
- lunqte bone
- lunare bone
- lunafe bone
Etymology of LUNATE BONE
The word "lunate" comes from the Latin word "lūnātus", which means "moon-shaped" or "crescent-shaped". This term was used to describe the moon due to its curved shape resembling a crescent. When applied to anatomy, the lunate bone in the human wrist was named after the moon because it has a similar shape. The bone is named for its resemblance to a crescent moon when viewed from certain angles.
