Main bones of the upper limb – Anatomy Atlas

Table of Contents

Overview

Bones of the upper limb The skeletal framework of the shoulder, arm and forearm (upper left image) is composed of only five bones: the clavicle, scapula, humerus, radius and ulna. The bones of the hand are 27 in number and are known as the carpal bones, metacarpal bones and phalanges [of the hand]. The posterior (dorsal) view of the hand is shown on the lower left image, while the anterior (palmar) of the hand is shown on the lower right image.

Keypoints

Key facts about the bones of the upper limb
Shoulder (pectoral) girdle and arm	Clavicle, scapula, humerus
Forearm	Radius, ulna
Hand	Carpal bones: scaphoid, lunate, triquetral, pisiform, trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, hamate Metacarpal bones 1-5 Phalanges: proximal (5), middle (4), distal (5)
Main joints	Acromioclavicular, glenohumeral, elbow, wrist, carpal, carpometacarpal, metacarpophalangeal, interphalangeal joints