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ANATOMY OF THE WRIST AND FOREARM

ANATOMY OF THE WRIST AND FOREARMThe forearm is located between the elbow and the wrist and consists of the radius (located on the lateral side) and the ulna (located on the medial side). Even though the radius is shorter than the ulna, it contributes more to the movement of the hand and wrist than the ulna. The eight carpal bones that form the carpal "tunnel" are located between the forearm and the hand in the wrist and allow for the various motions of the wrist. Because the wrist is anatomically complex, it is subject to several types of injuries. Wrist motion is controlled by muscles and tendons located at the forearm. Stability is provided by ligaments located across the carpus.

A total of twenty-seven bones, joints and soft tissues such as muscles, ligaments and tendons make up the hand and wrist. In the hand there is a complete system of fingers and thumb, all with multiple joints, muscles and tendons. Five metacarpal bones make up the body of the hand and eight carpal bones make up the wrist. The thumb has two jointed bones called the phalanges and all other fingers have three jointed bones.

The fingers and thumb are straightened and the hand is raised by the help of the extensor tendons while flexor tendons help bend the fingers, thumb and hand. These tendons are surrounded, protected and guided by tendon sheaths. These tendons pass through the carpal tunnel channel, which is formed by the wrist bones and covered by the transverse carpal ligament. Passing through the carpal tunnel channel is also the median nerve. The median nerve supplies feeling to the thumb, index and middle fingers.


 

 

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