The human body contains a total of five metacarpal bones, one for each finger. These long bones are located in the hand and connect the wrist (carpal bones) to the fingers (phalanges).
Each metacarpal bone is numbered from one to five, starting with the thumb as metacarpal I and ending with the little finger at metacarpal V. The metacarpals play a crucial role in hand function by providing support and structure, allowing for a wide range of motion and dexterity in the fingers. Injuries or conditions affecting the metacarpals can lead to difficulties in hand movements and grip strength.