Metacarpals
It is the joint between the first metacarpal and the trapezium (angle formed with the first phalanx is relevant to thumb movements)
What our notes say
- It is the joint between the first metacarpal and the trapezium (angle formed with the first phalanx is relevant to thumb movements) (Aponeurosis — Anatomy Question Bank)
- It is often associated with Albright hereditary osteodystrophy, which includes short stature, round face, short metacarpals/metatarsals, and subcutaneous calcifications. (ENDOCRINE PATHOLOGY)
- An X ray revealed a well circumscribed oval lucency in the 2nd metacarpal bone surrounded by a thin rim of radiodense bone. (pathology essays — Past Paper Questions & Answers)
- Compare: the deep palmar arch (mainly radial artery) lies deeper, gives palmar metacarpal arteries (Aponeurosis — Anatomy Question Bank)
- Deep palmar arch (mainly radial) → palmar metacarpal arteries (Master First-Year Anatomy: Must-Know Essays & Key Concepts)
- Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy: short stature, short 4th metacarpal, obesity, round face, intellectual disability. (Endocrine & Renal Pathology)
Study material on Metacarpals
Images
Practice questions on Metacarpals
An infant born at term is examined, and there is abnormal fusion of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th digits of the left hand. A radiograph of the left hand shows transformation of metacarpals I, II, III, and V to short, carpal-like bones. A mutation involving which of the following genes most likely led to these findings?
- CFTR
- FGFR3
- HOXD13
- SHH
- TBX5
Answer: C. This gene is in the homeobox family of genes producing transcription factors that control morphogenesis, including limb development. Mutations may lead to lack of separation (syndactyly). ---