Pisiform Bone. Os pisiforme ([Fig. 51], c).—The pisiform bone is about twice as long as broad, with enlarged ends. Its dorsal end articulates with the cuneiform, and on its proximal surface, separated from the above by a smooth ridge, is a smooth facet for articulation with the styloid process of the ulna.

[Fig. 51].—Carpus, Metacarpus, and Phalanges, Dorsal Surface.

a, scapholunar bone; b, cuneiform; c, pisiform; d, trapezium; e, trapezoid; f, os magnum; g, unciform; h, radial sesamoid; i, proximal phalanges; j, second phalanges; k, distal phalanges; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, metacarpals in order from the radial side.

Unciform Bone. (Os hamatum BNA) ([Fig. 51], g).—The unciform is a wedge-shaped bone with the apex of the wedge directed proximad, and smooth for articulation with the scapholunar. By a part of its ulnar surface it articulates with the cuneiform, and by its radial surface with the os magnum. Its distal end articulates with the fourth and fifth metacarpals.

Os magnum. (Os capitatum BNA) ([Fig. 51], f).—The os magnum may be described as an oblong plate bearing on its proximal surface a semicircular ridge which crosses it diagonally. The proximal end of the bone articulates with the scapholunar. Its distal end articulates with the third metacarpal except near its ventroulnar angle, where it articulates with the fourth metacarpal. Its ulnar surface articulates with the unciform. Its radial border articulates with the trapezoid, the third metacarpal, and, by two facets, with the second metacarpal.

Trapezoid. (Os multangulum minus BNA.) ([Fig. 51], e).—The trapezoid is somewhat wedge-shaped, with the apex of the wedge pointing ventrad. Its proximal side articulates with the scapholunar, its distal side with the second metacarpal, its ulnar side with the os magnum, and its radial side with the trapezium.

Trapezium. (Os multangulum majus BNA.) ([Fig. 51], d).—The trapezium has the form of a triangular prism curved into a semicircle. The convex face looks proximad and articulates by its ventral half with the scapholunar. The ulnar surface articulates with the second metacarpal dorsally, and ventrally with the trapezoid. Its radial surface articulates with the first metacarpal.

Bones of the Hand or Manus

([Fig. 51], 1-5).—The Metacarpals. Metacarpus.—The metacarpals are the five bones of the palm of the hand; they are numbered from one to five, beginning with the thumb. They are cylindrical elongated bones with enlarged ends. The distal end is called the head, and the proximal end the base. Each head bears a hemispherical articular facet which is marked over its ventral half by a prominent smooth ridge. The surface dorsad of the ridge articulates with the proximal head of a phalanx. The ridge and the surface at its sides are for a pair of sesamoid bones.