Wrist Joint Flashcards
What is the wrist joint also known as?
The radiocarpal joint
What kind of joint is the wrist joint?
A synovial joint
What does the wrist mark?
The area of transition between the forearm and the hand
What is the wrist joint formed by distally?
The proximal row of the carpal bones (except the pisiform)
What is the wrist joint formed by proximally?
The distal end of the radius, and the articular disc
Is the ulna part of the wrist joint?
No
What prevents the ulna from articulating with the carpal bones?
A fibrocartilaginous ligament, called the articular disc, which lies over the superior surface of the ulna
What do the carpal bones form together?
A convex surface
What shape is the radius and articular disc?
Concave
Where does the wrist joint receive blood from?
Branches of the dorsal and palmar carpal arches
What are the branches of the dorsal and palmar carpal arches derived from?
The ulnar and radial arteries
What is the wrist innervated by?
Medial nerve- anterior interosseous branch
Radial nerve- posterior interosseous branch
Ulnar nerve- deep and dorsal branches
What contributes to the stability of the wrist?
The joint capsule and ligaments
How many layers of the joint capsule of the wrist are there?
Two
What does the fibrous outer layer of the joint capsule of the wrist attach to?
The radius, ulna and proximal row of the carpal bones
What is the internal layer of the joint capsule of the wrist joint composed of?
A synovial membrane
What does the synovial membrane of the wrist joint do?
Secretes synovial fluid which lubricates the joint
What are the ligaments of note in the wrist?
Palmar radiocarpal
Dorsal radiocarpal
Ulnar collateral
Radial collateral
Where is the palmar radiocarpal ligament found?
On the palmar (anterior) side of the hand
Where does the palmar radiocarpal ligament pass?
From the radius to both rows of carpal bones
What is the function of the palmar radiocarpal ligament?
Increase stability
Ensure that the hand follows the forearm during supination
Where is the dorsal radiocarpal ligament found?
On the dorsum (posterior) side of the hand
Where does the dorsal radiocarpal ligament pass?
From the radius to both rows of carpal bones
What is the function of the dorsal radiocarpal ligament?
Contributes to the stability of the wrist
Ensures that the hand follows the forearm during pronation
