The human hand has 27 bones: the carpals or wrist accounts for 8; the metacarpals or palm contains five; the remaining fourteen are digital bones; fingers and thumb. The palm has five bones known as metacarpal bones, one to each of the 5 digits. These metacarpals have a head, a shaft, and a base.

What is the metacarpals in the human body?

In humans the five metacarpals are flat at the back of the hand and bowed on the palmar side; they form a longitudinal arch that accommodates the muscles, tendons, and nerves of the palm. ... The metacarpals also form a transverse arch that allows the fingertips and thumb to be brought together for manipulation.

What is the difference between metacarpals and metatarsals?

Metacarpals are only likely to be confused with metatarsals, but their shafts are stout, rather than slim and straight like metacarpal shafts. Metacarpals also have rounder heads than metatarsals.