American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

What does 'Metacarpal' refer to?

1. Bones of the foot

2. Bones of the wrist

3. Bones of the hand

4. Bones of the skull

The correct answer is: Bones of the hand

The term 'metacarpal' specifically refers to the bones of the hand. There are five metacarpal bones in each hand that extend from the wrist to the fingers. They are situated between the carpals (the wrist bones) and the phalanges (the bones of the fingers). The metacarpals play a crucial role in hand structure and functionality, allowing for movement and dexterity. The first metacarpal is associated with the thumb, while the fifth metacarpal connects to the little finger. Understanding the location and function of metacarpals is essential for professionals working in fields like medicine, chiropractic, and physical therapy, as it relates to hand injuries and treatments.