Covers the carpometacarpal joints between the distal carpal row and the metacarpal bases, starting with the thumb's saddle joint and the plane joints of digits two to five. It then sets out the carpal-to-metacarpal articulations, the ligaments, and the movements of each joint, followed by the blood supply and nerve supply. The note also goes on to the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal finger joints, covering their types, ligaments, movements, and vessels and nerves.
Topic 18 of 236 in the MU Pleven syllabus for Anatomy Bones and Muscles (Medicine, Year 2). The free AceMed note covers it in 8 sections, about 302 words (2 min of reading), with 12 flashcards.
In this note
Carpal–Metacarpal (CMC) Joints
Definition
Types of joints
Articular surfaces
Ligaments
Movements
Blood supply & innervation
Joints of the Fingers (Metacarpophalangeal + Interphalangeal joints)
Definition
Joints between the distal row of carpal bones and the bases of the 5 metacarpal bones.
Types of joints
1st CMC joint (thumb):
Saddle synovial joint (allows movements in two planes + circumduction).
Most mobile CMC joint.
2nd–5th CMC joints:
Plane synovial joints (gliding type).
2nd and 3rd CMC = rigid and fixed (stable base for hand).
4th and 5th CMC = slightly mobile (help in cupping hand).
Articular surfaces
Distal row of carpals:
Trapezium → base of 1st metacarpal.
Trapezoid → base of 2nd metacarpal.
Capitate → base of 3rd metacarpal.
Hamate → base of 4th and 5th metacarpals.
Bases of metacarpals articulate accordingly.
Ligaments
Dorsal & palmar CMC ligaments → connect carpals to metacarpals.
Intermetacarpal ligaments → bind bases of 2nd–5th metacarpals together.
