12.3 Osteology and Arthrology of the Hand

Question 1

List the carpal bones of the hand (and recall a mnemonic)

Answer 1

Scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, pisiform, hamate, capitate, trapezoid, trapezium

(So long the pinky, here comes the thumb)

Question 2

The roof the carpal tunnel is created by the _______

Answer 2

Flexor retinaculum

Question 3

Which structures secure the flexor retinaculum, medially and laterally?

Answer 3

Medially: pisiform/hamate

Lateral: Scaphoid/trapezium tubercles

Question 4

Describe the structural joint type of the carpometacarpal, metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints

(What is the exception?)

Answer 4

Carpometacarpal: condylar

Metacarpophalangeal: condylar

Interphalangeal: hinge

(Exception: thumb MCP is saddle)

Question 5

Which ligaments connect the tendons to the fingers (anatomical masterpiece). What sits between this structure and the tendons themselves?

Answer 5

The annular ligaments (like the ligature on a saxophone).

Separated from the ligaments by a synovial membrane.

Question 6

The only real joints that can cause movement in the hand (other than finger flexion/extension are the _____

Answer 6

MCP Joints