metacarpus

[met-uh-kahr-puhs]

noun

Anatomy.

plural

metacarpi 

1. the part of a hand or forelimb, especially of its bony structure, included between the wrist, or carpus, and the fingers, or phalanges.

metacarpus

/ ˌmɛtəˈkɑːpəs /

noun

1. the skeleton of the hand between the wrist and the fingers, consisting of five long bones

2. the corresponding bones in other vertebrates

Word History and Origins

Origin of metacarpus¹

1670–80; < New Latin ( meta-, carpus ), replacing metacarpium < Greek metakárpion

Example Sentences

This is why, as we have pointed out above, it receives the name of the oblique flexor of the metacarpus.

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A 3�4�5 cm. fibrous mass in the subcutis about the digital flexor tendon on the volar surface of the metacarpus.

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There is great difference in the length of the metacarpus.

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Fossils show that the metacarpus - one of the "hand" bones - was elongated and much bigger than in related species, with very thick walls.

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This runs down the anterior and outer side of the upper arm, and is attached to the proximal tendon of the extensor metacarpi radialis longus, a little below the outer condyle of the humerus.

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Related Words

• appendage 
• fist 
• grip 
• palm