The human body has a total of 16 carpals. The carpals are the small bones that make up the wrist and are divided into two rows of four bones each.
The proximal row consists of the scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, and pisiform. The distal row consists of the trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, and hamate. These bones work together to provide flexibility and support to the wrist, allowing for a wide range of movement in the hand.
Understanding the structure of the carpals is important for recognizing how wrist injuries occur, as well as for grasping the complex mechanics of hand movement. Each bone plays a crucial role in the overall function of the wrist and hand.