Which distal row carpal bone articulates with the bases of the fourth and fifth metacarpals?

Which distal row carpal bone articulates with the bases of the fourth and fifth metacarpals?

• A. Hamate
• B. Capitate
• C. Trapezoid
• D. Trapezium

Answer: (A)

In the distal row of carpal bones, the hamate sits on the ulnar side and forms the carpometacarpal joints with the bases of the fourth and fifth metacarpals. The fourth metacarpal base does articulate with capitate as well, but the only distal row bone that interfaces with both the 4th and 5th bases is the hamate. The other distal row bones have primary contacts with different metacarpal bases (trapezium with the first, trapezoid with the second, capitate with the third). So the bone that articulates with both the bases of the fourth and fifth metacarpals is the hamate.

In the distal row of carpal bones, the hamate sits on the ulnar side and forms the carpometacarpal joints with the bases of the fourth and fifth metacarpals. The fourth metacarpal base does articulate with capitate as well, but the only distal row bone that interfaces with both the 4th and 5th bases is the hamate. The other distal row bones have primary contacts with different metacarpal bases (trapezium with the first, trapezoid with the second, capitate with the third). So the bone that articulates with both the bases of the fourth and fifth metacarpals is the hamate.