METACARPALS Meaning and
Definition
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Metacarpals are a set of bones found in the human hand that connect the wrist to the fingers. Consisting of five elongated, tubular bones, the metacarpals are positioned in the palm of the hand. They form the structure that supports and links the wrist to each finger, facilitating movements and providing stability.
Each metacarpal bone has a proximal end, which connects to the carpal bones of the wrist, and a distal end, which connects to the phalanges (finger bones). Structurally, the metacarpals are long bones with a rounded shaft and various sized joints at each end.
These bones play a crucial role in hand function, allowing individuals to perform a wide range of tasks including grasping objects, manipulating tools, and executing intricate hand motions necessary for tasks like writing or playing a musical instrument. The metacarpals also aid in providing support and structure to the overall hand, contributing to both dexterity and stability.
When describing the metacarpals, they are often classified numerically from the thumb side (side closer to the wrist) to the little finger side. The first metacarpal is responsible for the movement and flexibility of the thumb, while the remaining four metacarpals are responsible for the individual fingers.
Common Misspellings for METACARPALS
Etymology of METACARPALS
The word "metacarpals" is derived from the Greek words "meta" meaning "beyond" or "after" and "karpos" meaning "wrist". In anatomy, the metacarpal bones are the five bones in the palm of the hand that connect the wrist bones (carpals) to the fingers. So, "metacarpals" essentially means "beyond the wrist".
Similar spelling words for METACARPALS
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