Wrist bones, also known as carpal bones, are a group of small, irregularly shaped bones that make up the wrist joint. The wrist is the region connecting the hand to the forearm, and these bones form the skeletal foundation of this complex joint. The human wrist contains eight carpal bones arranged in two rows. These include the proximal row, which is closer to the forearm, and the distal row, situated closer to the hand.
The bones in the proximal row, from lateral to medial, are named scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, and pisiform. On the other hand, the distal row is composed of the trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, and hamate. These bones are connected to each other, as well as to other structures such as the forearm bones and metacarpal bones of the hand, with strong ligaments.
The wrist bones play a vital role in wrist joint stabilization and provide a foundation for precise movements of the hand and fingers. They help facilitate a wide range of actions, such as flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction of the wrist. The arrangement and mobility of these bones allow for dexterity while performing various tasks, such as grasping, gripping, and rotating objects.
Injuries to the wrist bones, such as fractures or dislocations, can significantly affect the function of the wrist joint and lead to limitations in hand movements. Proper diagnosis and treatment of wrist bone injuries are crucial for restoring optimal hand and wrist functionality.
