Wrist & Hand Anatomy: A Brief Overview
The wrist and hand represent the most complex and intricate region of the musculoskeletal system. The wrist joint complex comprises the distal radius and ulna, the eight carpal bones arranged in two rows (proximal: scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, pisiform; distal: trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, hamate), and a dense network of intrinsic and extrinsic ligaments. The hand contains five metacarpals and fourteen phalanges, animated by a sophisticated system of intrinsic (within the hand) and extrinsic (arising in the forearm) tendons, three major nerves (median, ulnar, and radial), and a rich vascular supply.
The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel at the wrist; the ulnar nerve passes through Guyon’s canal at the ulnar side of the wrist. Compression of either nerve at these sites produces the two most common peripheral nerve entrapment syndromes in clinical practice.
Important Notice: This document is a patient education resource only. Individual treatment decisions must always be made in consultation with Dr. Senthilvelan based on your specific clinical situation, imaging findings, and personal goals.
