What are the bones of the palm called?

• A. Carpals
• B. Phalanges
• C. Metacarpals
• D. Tarsals

Answer: (C)

Metacarpals are the bones that form the palm. They sit between the carpal bones of the wrist and the phalanges of the fingers, giving the palm its framework and knuckles. There are five metacarpals, one for each finger, starting from the thumb side. Each bone has a base near the wrist, a shaft in the palm, and a head that forms the knuckles when the fingers bend. The other options refer to different parts: carpals are wrist bones, phalanges are finger bones, and tarsals are ankle bones, so they don’t describe the palm.