The first metacarpal (1) is the shortest. Its head is oblique, and it articulates by the ulnar half of its proximal surface with the trapezium (d); by the radial half with the radial sesamoid (h).
The second metacarpal (2) is marked on the proximal part of its dorsal surface by an oblique groove passing from the radial side distad to the ulnar side. The base articulates with the trapezoid (e). The ulnar surface of the proximal end articulates with the os magnum (f) and third metacarpal, while the radial surface articulates with the trapezium (d).
The third metacarpal (3) is the longest, and its base is rhomboidal with a projecting dorsoradial angle separated by a groove from the rhomboid surface. The proximal end articulates with the os magnum (f) and second metacarpal; the radial surface of the proximal end with the second, and the ulnar surface with the fourth, metacarpal.
The fourth metacarpal (4) has a base similar in form to that of the third, and when placed in position with the fifth the two form a hemispherical facet which articulates with the unciform (g) and os magnum (f). The fourth metacarpal articulates by its radial side with the third, and by its ulnar side with the fifth.
The fifth metacarpal (5) articulates by its proximal end with the unciform (g), and by the radial side of its proximal end with the fourth metacarpal.
Digits ([Fig. 51]).—The first digit of the hand is called the pollex (thumb), the second the index, the third the medius, the fourth the annularis, the fifth the minimus.
The first digit has two phalanges, each of the others three phalanges.
Phalanges ([Fig. 51], i, j, k).—The phalanges of the proximal row (i) are elongated, flattened dorsoventrally and curved so as to be longitudinally convex dorsad. All have thickened ends. The proximal end is notched, and its proximal surface looks dorsad and is concave for the head of the metacarpal. The distal end is pulley-shaped, and the pulley surface extends farther on to the ventral than on to the dorsal surface, and serves for articulation with the middle phalanx.
The phalanges of the middle row (j) are like those of the proximal row, but shorter. The proximal surface is triangular and marked by a median facetted ridge. The whole surface is smooth and adapted to the distal end of the phalanx of the first row. The distal end is transversely elongated, so as to be cylindrical, and projects more toward the ulnar than toward the radial side. The distal phalanx (k) articulates with this cylinder so that when it is fully extended it lies on the ulnar side of the middle phalanx.
The distal phalanx (k) has the form of a quadrangular prism. It is excavated on its proximal surface for articulation with the middle phalanx. Its distal surface presents dorsad a deep excavation from the bottom of which arises a compressed plate of bone having the form of a bird’s beak. The depression receives the base of a claw, and the beak-like projection supports the claw.