metakarpális

Metakarpális refers to the metacarpus, the part of the hand between the carpal (wrist) bones and the phalanges (finger bones). The metacarpus consists of five metacarpal bones (metacarpal I–V), counted from the thumb side to the little finger.

Each metacarpal bone has a base (proximal end) that articulates with the distal row of carpal bones to form carpometacarpal joints, a shaft (body), and a head (distal end) that articulates with the proximal phalanx to form the metacarpophalangeal joints. The first metacarpal (thumb) contributes to a specialized carpometacarpal joint with the trapezium, providing greater mobility of the thumb. The heads of the metacarpals form the knuckles visible on the dorsum of the hand when making a fist.

Functionally, the metacarpals act as the intermediate lever between the wrist and fingers, transmitting load from the hand to the forearm and enabling gripping and precise finger movements. They serve as attachment points for intrinsic hand muscles, including the interossei and lumbricals, and provide attachment sites for various ligaments and the palmar fascia.

Clinical notes often focus on fractures of the metacarpal bones, particularly the neck of the fifth metacarpal (boxer’s fracture) and other fractures resulting from direct trauma. Knowledge of metacarpal anatomy is essential for diagnosing carpometacarpal and metacarpophalangeal joint injuries and planning treatment.