METACARPI Meaning and
Definition
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Metacarpi refers to the plural form of the word metacarpus, which is a Latin term that describes a part of the skeletal system found in humans and other mammals. Specifically, the metacarpus refers to the region of the hand that lies between the wrist joint, known as the carpus, and the fingers. It consists of the five long bones known as the metacarpal bones, which are numbered from the thumb side to the little finger side.
The metacarpi are key components of the hand, providing structure, stability, and flexibility. These bones act as a framework upon which the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the hand attach, enabling crucial functions such as gripping, grasping, and fine motor skills. They also serve as a protective barrier for the delicate nerves and blood vessels that run through the hand.
In anatomical terms, the metacarpi are part of the segmented structure of the upper limb, connecting the carpus to the phalanges (the bones of the fingers). Along with the carpals and the phalanges, the metacarpi form the three main sections of the hand's skeletal system, allowing for its remarkable dexterity and precise movements.
Understanding the nature and functions of the metacarpi is important in various fields, including medicine, anatomy, physical therapy, and orthopedics.
Common Misspellings for METACARPI
Etymology of METACARPI
The word metacarpi is derived from the combination of two Greek words: meta, meaning after or beyond, and karpos, meaning wrist or fruit. In anatomy, metacarpi refers to the metacarpal bones, which are the five long bones in the hand that connect the wrist (carpus) to the fingers or digits. Therefore, the etymology of metacarpi reflects its meaning as beyond the wrist or after the wrist.
Similar spelling words for METACARPI
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