Definition

Related to the group of bones in the hand between the wrist and the fingers.

Example

The doctor examined the metacarpal bones to check for any fractures.

Conversation

I just learned about the metacarpal bones in my anatomy class.

Oh really? I didn't know they had a specific name.

Yeah, they connect the wrist to the fingers, which is pretty cool.

That makes sense! I guess our hands are more complex than we think.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A bone in the hand that connects the wrist to the fingers, typically there are five of these bones in each hand.

Example

The doctor explained that a fracture in the metacarpal could affect the movement of the fingers.

Conversation

Did you know that the human hand has five metacarpal bones?

Really? I had no idea!

Yeah, they connect the wrist to the fingers, which is pretty cool.

Root Explanation

Metacarpal → It is formed from "meta-" (meaning beyond or after) and "carpus" (from Greek "karpos", meaning wrist). The term refers to the bones that are beyond the wrist, specifically the bones of the hand between the wrist and the fingers.

Memory Tip

Think of the prefix 'meta-' meaning beyond, and 'carpus' referring to the wrist — this helps you remember that metacarpal bones are those that are beyond the wrist in the hand.

Visually Confused Words