Carpal Bones
Carpal Bones
1. Scaphoid: Located near the thumb, it’s the largest bone in the proximal row.
7. Capitate: The largest carpal bone, situated in the center of the wrist, articulates
with the third metacarpal.
Mnemonic for remembering the carpal bones from lateral to medial (proximal to distal):
The muscles surrounding the wrist are categorized into flexors, extensors, and muscles that aid
in radial/ulnar deviation:
• Flexor Digitorum Superficialis: Flexes the middle phalanges of the fingers and
contributes to wrist flexion.
• Flexor Digitorum Profundus: Flexes the distal phalanges of the fingers and assists
in wrist flexion.
• Extensor Digiti Minimi: Extends the little finger and assists in wrist extension.
Radial/Ulnar Deviators
• Radial Deviation (Abduction): Flexor carpi radialis, extensor carpi radialis longus
and brevis.
Additional Muscles
• Flexor Retinaculum (Transverse Carpal Ligament): Covers the carpal tunnel and
holds flexor tendons in place.