Definition

1. Noun:
   • A specific carpal bone: The unciform bone is one of the eight small bones that make up the wrist (carpus). It is located on the same row as the bones connected to the fourth (ring) and fifth (little) fingers.

Usage

• The term "unciform bone" is a precise anatomical term used primarily in medical, biological, and anatomical contexts.
• It is used to identify a specific structure within the complex of wrist bones.

Examples

• Noun:
  • A fracture of the unciform bone can cause significant pain and impair wrist mobility.
  • During the dissection, the students carefully identified the unciform bone in the cadaver's wrist.

Advanced Usage

• The unciform bone is also clinically known as the hamate bone. The term "unciform" is derived from Latin, referring to its hook-like shape ("uncus" meaning hook).
  • The surgeon noted a small cyst on the hook of the unciform (hamate) bone.

Variants and Related Words

• Hamate (bone) (n): The more common clinical synonym for the unciform bone.
  • The report indicated a fracture of the hamate.
• Carpal bones (n): The group of eight bones in the wrist, which includes the unciform/hamate.
  • The carpal bones are arranged in two rows.

Synonyms

• Hamate bone: The direct synonym in modern anatomical terminology.
• Os hamatum: The Latin term used in formal anatomical nomenclature.

Notes

• The unciform bone is characterized by a distinctive hook-like projection called the "hamulus" or "hook of the hamate," which is a key identifying feature.
• It articulates (forms a joint) with several adjacent carpal bones and the metacarpal bones of the fourth and fifth fingers.

Noun

1. the wrist bone in line with the 4th and 5th fingers