Definition

1. Noun:
   • A bone of the hand: A metacarpal bone is any one of the five long bones located in the palm of the hand. These bones form the intermediate part of the skeletal hand, connecting the wrist bones (carpals) to the bones of the fingers (phalanges).

Usage

• The term is used in anatomical, medical, and biological contexts to describe the specific skeletal structure of the hand.
• It is often used in the plural form () when referring to the group of five bones collectively.
• Example: "The surgeon examined the X-ray to assess the fracture in the metacarpal bone."

Examples

• Noun:
  • A boxer must protect his metacarpal bones from injury.
  • The third metacarpal bone is typically the longest of the five.
  • The anatomy lesson focused on the structure and function of each metacarpal bone.

Advanced Usage

• "Metacarpal" as an adjective: The word is commonly used as an adjective to describe structures related to these bones.
  • The metacarpal region was swollen. (Here, 'metacarpal' describes the region where the bones are located).
• In formal or clinical writing, the phrase may be shortened to just "metacarpal" when the context is clear.
  • The patient sustained a fracture of the fifth metacarpal.

Variants and Related Words

• Metacarpal (adj.): Pertaining to the metacarpus or metacarpal bones.
  • Metacarpal ligament.
• Metacarpus (n.): The collective term for the five metacarpal bones considered as a group; the palm of the hand from a skeletal perspective.
• Phalanges (n.): The bones of the fingers and thumb, which articulate with the metacarpal bones.

Synonyms

• Metacarpal: (When used as a noun synonym for ).
• Bone of the palm: A descriptive, non-technical synonym.

Notes on Meaning

• The are numbered one through five, starting with the thumb side (the first metacarpal) and moving toward the little finger (the fifth metacarpal).
• Their primary function is to provide a stable yet flexible framework for the palm, enabling grip and fine motor movements of the fingers.

Noun

1. any bone of the hand between the wrist and fingers