3.5.1. The Wrist Joint

Question 1

What is the Wrist Joint also known as?

Answer 1

Radiocarpal Joint

Question 2

What type of Joint is the Radiocarpal Joint?

Answer 2

Synovial Condyloid (or Ellipsoid) Joint

Question 3

What does the Radiocarpal Joint mark the Transition Between?

Answer 3

1. Forearm

2. Hand

Question 4

What forms the Radiocarpal Joint Proximally?

Answer 4

1. The Distal End of the Radius

2. The Articular Disk

Question 5

What forms the Radiocarpal Joint Distally?

Answer 5

Proximal Row of Carpal Bones (Except the Pisiform)

Question 6

Is the Ulna part of the Radiocarpal Joint?

Answer 6

No

Question 7

Why is the Ulna not part of the Radiocarpal Joint?

Answer 7

1. It Articulates with the Radius, just Proximal to the Wrist Joint, at the Distal Radio-Ulnar Joint.
2. It is prevented from Articulating with the Carpal Bones by the Articular Disk (A Fibrocartilaginous Ligament) which lies over the Superior Surface of the Ulna

Question 8

What Type of Surface do the Carpal Bones form?

Answer 8

A Convex Surface

Question 9

What Type of Surface does the Radius and Articular Disk form?

Answer 9

A Concave Surface

Question 10

Does the Radiocarpal Joint have a Joint Capsule?

Answer 10

Yes

Question 11

How many layers does the Radiocarpal Joint have?

Answer 11

2 - It is Dual Layered

Question 12

What are the 2 Layers of the Radiocarpal Joint’s Capsule?

Answer 12

1. Fibrous (Outer) Layer

2. Synovial Membranous (Internal) Layer

Question 13

What does the Fibrous (Outer) Layer attach to?

Answer 13

1. Radius
2. Ulna
3. Proximal Row of Carpal Bones

Question 14

What does the Synovial Membrane, of the Internal Layer, secrete?

Answer 14

Synovial Fluid

Question 15

What is the function of the Synovial Fluid?

Answer 15

To Lubricate the Joint

Question 16

How many Significant Radiocarpal Joint Ligaments are there?

Answer 16

4

Question 17

What are the Significant Radiocarpal Joint Ligaments?

Answer 17

1. Palmar Radiocarpal
2. Dorsal Radiocarpal
3. Ulnar Collateral
4. Radial Collateral

Question 18

Where is the Palmar Radiocarpal Ligament located?

Answer 18

Plamar (Anterior) Side of the Hand

Question 19

Where does the Palmar Radiocarpal Ligament pass:

1. From?
2. To?

Answer 19

1. Radius

2. Both Rows of Carpal Bones

Question 20

What is the function of the Palmar Radiocarpal Ligament?

Answer 20

1. Increasing Stability of the Radiocarpal Joint

2. Ensuring the Hand follows the Forearm during Supination

Question 21

Where is the Dorsal Radiocarpal Ligament located?

Answer 21

Dorsal (Posterior) Side of the Hand

Question 22

Where does the Dorsal Radiocarpal Ligament pass:

1. From?
2. To?

Answer 22

1. Radius

2. Both Rows of Carpal Bones

Question 23

What is the function of the Dorsal Radiocarpal Ligament?

Answer 23

1. Increasing Stability of the Radiocarpal Joint

2. Ensuring the Hand follows the Forearm during Pronation

Question 24

Where does the Ulnar Collateral Ligament pass:

1. From?
2. To?

Answer 24

1. Styloid Process of the Ulna

2. Triquetrum and Pisiform (Medial Carpal Bones)

Question 25

What is the function of the Ulnar Collateral Ligament?

Answer 25

Works in Union with the Radial Collateral Ligament to prevent Excessive Lateral Joint Displacement

Question 26

Where does the Radial Collateral Ligament pass:

1. From?
2. To?

Answer 26

1. Styloid Process of the Radius

2. Scaphoid and Trapezium (Lateral Carpal Bones)

Question 27

What is the function of the Radial Collateral Ligament?

Answer 27

Works in Union with the Radial Collateral Ligament to prevent Excessive Lateral Joint Displacement

Question 28

Where does the Radiocarpal Joint receive Blood Branches from?

Answer 28

1. Dorsal Carpal Arch

2. Palmar Carpal Arch

Question 29

What are the Dorsal and Palmar Carpal Arches derived from?

Answer 29

1. Radial Artery

2. Ulnar Artery

Question 30

Which Nerves are responsible for the Movement of the Radiocarpal Joint?

Answer 30

1. Posterior Interosseous Branch of the Radial Nerve
2. Anterior Interosseous Branch of the Median Nerve
3. Deep Branch of the Ulnar Nerve
4. Dorsal Branch of the Ulnar Nerve

Question 31

How many Axes Can the Radiocarpal Joint move in?

Answer 31

2

Question 32

What are the 4 Movements which can occur at the Wrist Joint?

Answer 32

1. Flexion
2. Extension
3. Adduction
4. Abduction

Question 33

What Muscles produce Flexion at the Radiocarpal Joint?

Answer 33

1. Flexor Carpi Ulnaris
2. Flexor Carpi Radialis
3. Flexor Digitorum Superficialis (assists but is not a main one)

Question 34

What Muscles produce Extension at the Radiocarpal Joint?

Answer 34

1. Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus
2. Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis
3. Extensor Carpi Ulnaris
4. Extensor Digitorum (assists but is not a main one)

Question 35

What Muscles produce Adduction at the Radiocarpal Joint?

Answer 35

1. Extensor Carpi Ulnaris

2. Flexor Carpi Ulnaris

Question 36

What Muscles produce Abduction at the Radiocarpal Joint?

Answer 36

1. Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus
2. Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis
3. Flexor Carpi Radialis