In this section we will revise the anatomy and function of the structures making up the hand. The structures that we need to consider are the bones and the joints, the ligaments that stabilise the joints, the muscles and tendons that move them, the nerves that make everything work and the blood supply of the hand.
2.1Bones and Joints
The Carpals, Metacarpals and Phalanges
CarpusThere are eight carpal bones which lie in two rows (Fig. 2.1 showing the right hand) [1]. Starting with the distal row at the hamate (the most medial bone of the distal row) and moving clockwise, the bones are the hamate, capitate, trapezoid and trapezium and, the proximal row, scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum and pisiform. And one of the few mnemonics that medical students learn that can be repeated in public:'Hamlet Came To Town, Shouting Loudly To Polonius'