Hand Anatomy

Question 1

Hand anatomy - give a broad overview

Answer 1

. Carpals - 8
. Meta Carpals
. Phalanges - Proximal, Middle/Intermediate and Distal (except for thumb which is only proximal & distal)
. Metacarpals & phalanges = 1 to 5
thumb = digit 1
Phalanx = singular of phalanges
Each phalanx = consists of proximal base, shaft & distal head

Question 2

Phalanges are classifed as … bones
Carpals are classified as … bones
Metacarpals are classified as … bones

Answer 2

long
short
long

Question 3

Metacarpals - Fill in the blanks
. Name meaning ?
what do the base & distal head of metacarpals articulate with

Answer 3

Meta = beyond, so beyond carpals
Base of metacarpals = articulates with carpals
Distal Head of metacarpals = articulates with phalanges

Question 4

Carpals are … number …. … type of bone
in the location…

Answer 4

Carpals are 8 short bones in the wrist

Question 5

Recall the mnemonic for
1 - naming
2 - remembering the position of metacarpals

Answer 5

Some Lovers Try Positions That They Cannot Handle
To Save Lives The Physician Helpes Create Treatments
scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, and pisiform
trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, and hamate.
trapezium = below the thumb because both have m
pisiform = pea shaped
scaphoid = above the radius / boat shaped
capitate = decapitate /head - so in the top row
quite big & regular shape

Question 6

Thumb can do what special anatomical movement - explain what the anatomical movement means

Answer 6

Opposition
a small hand movement consisting of the thumb touching the tips of the other digits.

Question 7

Name the carpal bones with which the radius articulates & state the significance & clinical relevance of this

Answer 7

Radius = articulates with the scaphoid, lunate & triquetrum
55% of force transmission is through the scaphoid
Clincial Relevance = scaphoid = most commonly fractured
Avascular necrosis
as the scaphoid receives its blood supply from the distal pole (closer to the thumb) a wrist fracture may deprive the proximal part of bone
without adequate blood - proximal end = deprived of essential nutrients & begins to die and this is known as avascular necrosis

Question 8

define avascular necrosis

Answer 8

Avascular necrosis isthe death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply. Also called osteonecrosis, it can lead to tiny breaks in the bone and cause the bone to collapse