Carpals facts for kids
The carpal bones are eight small bones that form your wrist. They connect your hand to your forearm. The word "carpus" comes from Latin and Greek words, both meaning "wrist." These bones help you move your hand in many ways. They also make your wrist strong for daily activities.
Your wrist needs to be flexible and strong. The carpal bones work together to allow your hand to move freely. They help with actions like writing, throwing a ball, or even just waving.
Contents
What Are Carpal Bones?
The carpal bones are a group of eight bones. They are found in the wrist, between the two long bones of your forearm (the radius and ulna) and the bones in your hand (the metacarpus). Unlike the bones in your fingers, carpal bones do not belong to a single finger. They are all part of the wrist joint.
These bones are arranged in two rows. This special arrangement helps your wrist bend, twist, and move from side to side. Think of them like tiny building blocks that create a flexible bridge between your arm and hand.
The Eight Carpal Bones
There are eight carpal bones in each wrist. They each have a unique shape and name. These bones work together to give your wrist its amazing range of motion.
Here are the names of the eight carpal bones:
- Pisiform
- Triquetrum (sometimes called Triangular)
- Hamate
- Capitate
- Scaphoid
- Trapezium
- Trapezoid
- Lunate
How Carpal Bones Work
The carpal bones are very important for hand movements. They allow your wrist to move in many directions. For example, you can bend your wrist up and down, or move it side to side. This flexibility is key for many sports and everyday tasks.
Ligaments hold these bones together. Ligaments are strong, flexible tissues that connect bones. They keep the carpal bones stable while still allowing movement. Without these bones, your hand would not be able to move as freely or strongly.
Images for kids
-
Where accessory ossicles of the carpals are located.
-
Four groups of ligaments in the wrist area (shown in different colors).
-
Left: Ulnar adduction (moving hand towards pinky finger). Right: Radial abduction (moving hand towards thumb).
-
Left: Dorsiflexion (bending hand upwards). Right: Palmar flexion (bending hand downwards).
See also
In Spanish: Carpo para niños
