Learning the Carpals There are eight carpals in each wrist.

Note that the articulated carpals are concave on the anterior side. There is a broad transverse ligament (the flexor retinaculum) that forms a "roof" over this concavity. This forms the carpal tunnel, through which several tendons and a major nerve (the median nerve) pass through. Inflammations of these tendons press on this nerve, resulting in carpal tunnel syndrome. You can use the following mnemonic device to learn the names of the carpals: "Sarah Left The Party To Take Cathy Home" Some Lovers Try Positions That They Cant Handle Proximal row, from lateral to medial Scaphoid: is the large bone most lateral and proximal. It articulates with the radius. Lunate: has the shape of a comma. Along with the scaphoid, it articulates with the radius. Triquetral: has the shape of a small pyramid. It is posterior to the pisiform, and medial to the lunate. Pisiform: shaped like a pea. It sits anterior to the triquetral. It is easily palpated, and is a clinically useful landmark. Unlike the other carpals, it is a sesamoid bone. Distal row, from lateral to medial Trapezium: Along with trapezoid, it articulates with the scaphoid, and also the first metacarpal. Trapezoid: wedge-shaped. Articulates with the scaphoid. Capitate: the largest carpal. Hamate: easily identified by its "hook" or "hammer" (only visible in the anterior view