Wrist Joint and Bones

The wrist is a complex set of bones connecting the lower arm with the hand. It provides considerable movement of the hand. The wrist allows the hand to rotate up and down. It also allows the wrist to rotate side to side. Read on to learn more about the wrist and how it works.

Wrist Joint and Bones

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Wrist and Hand Bones - Top View

The wrist consists of 8 bones called carpal bones arranged in a complex pattern as seen in the figure to the right. The carpal bones interconnect the metacarpal bones of the hand with the radius and ulna bones of the forearm.

The 8 wrist bones include the: A) scaphoid, B) lunate, C) triquetral, D) pisiform, E) trapezium, F) trapezoid, G) capitate, and H) hamate.

The wrist joint is a type of pivot joint moving in relation to the forearm bones, the radius and ulna. However, most of the wrist movement is the result of the carpal bones moving relative to the radius. The head of the radius bone is concave in shape, allowing the carpal bones to rotate and pivot with the end of the bone.

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Wrist Joint and Bones

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Wrist Joint and Bones

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