How many carpal bones are there in the normal wrist?

How many carpal bones are there in the normal wrist?

• A. 4
• B. 6
• C. 8
• D. 10

Answer: (C)

Eight carpal bones are present in the normal wrist, arranged in two rows of four. The proximal row includes the scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, and pisiform; the distal row includes the trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, and hamate. This two-row arrangement totals eight bones, which is why eight is the correct count. (Four would only be one row, ten would imply more than the standard set, etc.)

Eight carpal bones are present in the normal wrist, arranged in two rows of four. The proximal row includes the scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, and pisiform; the distal row includes the trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, and hamate. This two-row arrangement totals eight bones, which is why eight is the correct count. (Four would only be one row, ten would imply more than the standard set, etc.)