WRIST ANATOMY

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The wrist is formed where the distal aspect of the radius and the triangular fibrocartilage of the ulna joins three of the four proximal carpal bones.  There are eight carpal bones in all, illustrated clearly below.  The carpal bones are gliding joints and are stabilized by anterior, posterior, and connecting interosseous ligaments.
 
 

Carpal Bones:
Proximal Row: Pisiform Triquetrum Lunate Navicular
Distal Row: Hamate Capitate Trapezoid Trapezium
 

Here is a cross-sectional view of the wrist bones.  Notice also the Triangualar Fibrocartilage Complex (Articular disc).  It is often referred to as the meniscus of the wrist.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

   Wrist Musculature: 

• Flexor Carpi Radialis
• Palmaris Longus
• Flexor Carpi Ulnaris
  WRIST EXTENSORS
• Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus
• Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis
  ROTATORS OF THE WRIST
• Pronator Teres
• Pronator Quadratus
• Supinator
   

  
   
   
   
   
   
   
  
  Ligamentous Support:

  INTRINSIC LIGAMENTS
• Scapholunate
• Lunotriquetral
• Deltoid (Arcuate)
   
  
  EXTRINSIC LIGAMENTS
  Radiocarpal Ligaments
• Dorsal Radiocarpal
• Radial Collateral
• Radioscaphocapitate
• Radiolunotriquetral
• Radioscapholunate
   
  
  Ulnocarpal Ligaments
• Ulnolunate
• Ulnotriquetral
• Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex
  
   

  Neurovascular Supply:
  Ulnar Nerve

• Passes between the pisiform and hook of the hamate through the Tunnel of Guyon
• Supplies the flexor carpi ulnaris and half of the flexor digitorum profundis
  Median Nerve
• Enters through the carpal tunnel
• Supplies the flexor muscles
  Radial Nerve
• Enters between the superficial and deep extensor muscles into the back of the carpus
• Supplies the extensor muscles
   

  
   
   

  Blood Supply:
  Brachial artery branches into the Ulnar and Radial arteries
   
   
   

This page was archived from the University of Florida's Department of Excersize and Sports Sciences