Bones of the hand in 3D

Structure of the hand skeleton

The carpal bones sit in two rows. The proximal row, mainly the scaphoid and lunate, articulates with the radius at the wrist joint; the distal row articulates with the bases of the metacarpals. The carpus forms an arch, and the flexor retinaculum spans it to close the carpal tunnel.

The first metacarpal meets the trapezium at a saddle-shaped carpometacarpal joint, which lets the thumb oppose the fingers. The heads of the metacarpals form the knuckles. Each finger has a proximal, middle and distal phalanx; the thumb has only a proximal and a distal one.

What the 3D model shows

The model shows the bones of the right hand on their own: the scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, pisiform, trapezium, trapezoid, capitate and hamate in the wrist, the five metacarpals, and the proximal, middle and distal phalanges of the thumb and fingers. With no muscles or tendons in the way, you can see the joint surfaces between the carpal bones and at the bases of the metacarpals. The explode slider separates every piece so you can examine each bone from all sides.

How to study the hand bones

Work from the palmar (anterior) view. Name the proximal carpal row from the thumb side: scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, pisiform. Then move to the distal row and finish with the hamate and its hook. Number the metacarpals from the thumb (first) to the little finger (fifth) and count the phalanges finger by finger. Then explode the hand, pick single bones and identify them without their neighbours, the way bones are often tested in practical exams.