Hand · Short bone
Carpal Bones (Wrist)
The carpals are the eight small bones of the wrist, arranged in two rows. They give the wrist its flexibility and connect the forearm to the hand.
What it is
The carpals are eight short bones packed into the wrist in two rows of four. One of them — the scaphoid — is commonly injured.
Where it is
The wrist, between the forearm bones and the bones of the palm.
What it does
Allow the wrist's wide range of movement and transmit forces between the hand and forearm.
Connections
Joints and connections
- Wrist joint (with the radius)
- Joints with the palm bones and with each other
When things go wrong
Common injuries and conditions
- Scaphoid fracture (a commonly missed wrist fracture after a fall)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (nerve compression at the wrist)
Education and reference only. This explains the anatomy in plain terms; it is not a diagnosis. A severe injury, a visibly deformed limb, or the inability to move or bear weight needs urgent assessment — call 999 or go to A&E for a serious injury.
Did you know?
An interesting fact
The scaphoid, one of the carpal bones, has a poor blood supply, so a fracture can be slow to heal or missed — which is why "wrist" injuries are checked carefully.
Answers
Carpal Bones: frequently asked questions
How many bones are in the wrist?
There are eight carpal bones in each wrist, arranged in two rows of four.
Explore the hand
Related bones
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Anatomy and body systems
- Gray's Anatomy for Students (Drake, Vogl, Mitchell)
- TeachMeAnatomy — skeletal system
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