Hands, Wrists & Elbows |  | 
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The hand is composed of many different bones, muscles and ligaments that allow for a large amount of movement and dexterity. There are three major types of bones in the hand itself, including:
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Phalanges - the 14 bones that are found in the fingers of each hand and also in the toes of each foot. Each finger has three phalanges (the distal, middle and proximal); the thumb only has two
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Metacarpal bones - the five bones that compose the middle part of the hand
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Carpal bones - the eight bones that create the wrist. The carpal bones are connected to two bones of the arm, the ulnar bone and the radius bone
Numerous muscles, ligaments and sheaths can be found within the hand. The muscles are the structures that can contract, allowing movement of the bones in the hand. The ligaments are fibrous tissues that help bind together the joints in the hand. The sheaths are tubular structures that surround part of the fingers.
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Find a Mercy-affiliated orthopedic surgeon near you using our
online physician directory, or
speak with a Mercy Orthopedics representative at (916) 851-2110.
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