What is the meaning of metacarpal bone?

Definition of metacarpal (Entry 2 of 2) : a bone of the part of the hand or forefoot between the carpus and the phalanges that typically contains five more or less elongated bones when all the digits are present.

What is the meaning of phalanges?

Phalanges: The bones of the fingers and of the toes. There are generally three phalanges (distal, middle, proximal) for each digit except the thumbs and large toes. The singular of phalanges is phalanx.

What is the metacarpal in the hand?

The metacarpal bones are the long slender bones which connect your wrist to your fingers and are roughly at the level of your palm. There is one metacarpal for each finger. Fractures are “breaks” or “cracks” in the bone, usually due to trauma. In severe injuries, multiple metacarpals can be fractured.

What is the medical term for metacarpal?

In human anatomy, the metacarpal bones or metacarpus, form the intermediate part of the skeletal hand located between the phalanges of the fingers and the carpal bones of the wrist which forms the connection to the forearm.

What are the five metacarpal bones?

Metacarpals – There are five metacarpals, each one related to a digit. Phalanges (Distal) – The bones of the fingers….They are numbered, and each associated with a digit:

• Metacarpal I – Thumb.
• Metacarpal II – Index finger.
• Metacarpal III – Middle finger.
• Metacarpal IV – Ring finger.
• Metacarpal V – Little finger.

How long is a human metacarpal?

Results: The average length of the first metacarpal was 47.6 mm (±3.3 mm, 39.2-56.9 mm). The average radius of curvature was 55.5 mm (±10.7 mm, 33-78.9 mm). Inner bone diameter, measured in two axes, was 10.5 mm (±1.3 mm, 5.4-18.7 mm) for the major axis and 7.7 mm (±0.9 mm, 4.3-17.8 mm) for the minor axis.

What are fingers and toes called?

Phalanx: Anatomically, any one of the bones in the fingers or toes. (Plural: phalanges.) The bones in the fingers and toes were first called “phalanges” by the Greek philosopher-scientist Aristotle (384-322 BC) because they are arranged in ranks suggesting the military formation.

What are fingers called in anatomy?

Phalanges
Phalanges. The 14 bones that are found in the fingers of each hand and also in the toes of each foot. Each finger has 3 phalanges (the distal, middle, and proximal); the thumb only has 2.

How painful is a metacarpal fracture?

When you’ve fractured a metacarpal bone, you will probably have pain when you try to form a fist, and you may also find that your fingers are stiff. Other symptoms that can suggest that you’ve suffered a metacarpal fracture include: Immediate pain in the hand.

How bad is a metacarpal fracture?

Metacarpal fractures, which are a type of hand fracture, are common and account for 10% of all fractures. If you have this type of injury, it’s important to seek medical attention to help preserve the full range of strength and mobility in your hand. Fortunately, recovery is typically very good for this type of injury.

What kind of bone is metacarpal?

Medical Definition of Bone type Short bones: Short bones also have a tubular shaft and articular surfaces at each end but are much smaller. The short bones include all of the metacarpals and phalanges in the hands, and the metatarsals and phalanges in the feet. Flat bones: Flat bones are thin and have broad surfaces.

What is the main function of the metacarpal bone?

In humans the five metacarpals are flat at the back of the hand and bowed on the palmar side; they form a longitudinal arch that accommodates the muscles, tendons, and nerves of the palm. The metacarpals also form a transverse arch that allows the fingertips and thumb to be brought together for manipulation.

What does metacarpal mean?

Definition of metacarpal (Entry 2 of 2) : a bone of the part of the hand or forefoot between the carpus and the phalanges that typically contains five more or less elongated bones when all the digits are present.

What is the function of the metacarpals?

These muscles control the mobility of the palm, fingers, and also the flexion of the wrist in the radial and ulnar sides. The basic function of the metacarpals is to act as the bridge between the wrist and fingers, forming the framework of the hand.

What is the noun for metacarpal?

Noun . metacarpal (plural metacarpals or metacarpalia) Any of the bones of the metacarpus; Synonyms . metacarpal bone; Translations

What is the plural of metacarpal?

The plural form of metacarpal bone is metacarpal bones.