Wrist is the part of the hand in our body. It is also known as the radiocarpal joint. It is a joint that connects the hand to the arm. In fact, it is a collection of numerous bones and joints. Also, it is known as carpus or carpal bones.
Definition
Wrist is part of the body between the arm and the hand. In Urdu, we call it کلائی.
Etymology
This word originates from an Old English wrist of Germanic origin perhaps from the base of writhe.
Synonyms
- Gliding joint
- Carpus
- Articulatio plana
- Carpal
- Carpal tunnel
- Radiocarpal joint
Antonyms
There is no categorical antonym for this word.
Functions
It provides a variety of movements essential to effectively do everyday activities while maintaining a physiologic level of inherent constancy.
It has several smaller bone and joints which allows the hand to move in various directions. The joints of the wrist and the hand up and down as when someone raises his/her hand to wave. These joints permit to turn of the hand and bend the wrist forward and backward.
Anatomy of Wrist
Bones:
It comprises 8 little bones. These bones are also known as carpal bones or carpus. They are arranged into two rows which are:
- Proximal Row
- Distal Row
Proximal Row:
This row has 4 bones including:
Scaphoid: This bone is on the thumb. It is essential for movement and constancy of the carpus joint.
Lunate: It is the middle bone and is vital for the appropriate movement and maintenance of the carpus joint.
Triquetrum: This bone is beneath the pisiform and forms the carpal arch.
Pisiform: It is a small bone in the proximal row of carpus.
Distal Row:
This row has 4 carpal bones which are:
Trapezium: This carpal bone is at the base of the thumb.
Trapezoid: This bone forms part of the joint of carpus.
Capitate: This bone is in the center of the region of the carpal bone.
Hamate: This bone also forms the part of the carpus joint.
Joints:
The three joints in the carpus are:
- Radiocarpal Joint
- Ulnocarpal Joint
- Distal Radioulnar Joint
Radiocarpal Joint:
This joint is where the radius is. It is on the thumb side of the carpus. It connects with the underneath row of wrist bones including, the lunate, scaphoid, and triquetrum bones.
Ulnocarpal Joint:
This joint is among the ulna. It connects with the lunate and triquetrum bones of carpus. It is the pinky finger side of carpus.
Distal Radioulnar Joint:
This joint is among the radius and the ulna. It helps in pronation and supination. It is integrated with the ulnocarpal articulation of carpus.
Ligaments
The four ligaments in the wrist are:
- Palmar Radiocarpal Ligament
- Dorsal Radiocarpal Ligament
- Ulnar Collateral Ligament
- Radial Collateral Ligament
Palmar Radiocarpal Ligament:
These are the strongest supporting structures. They join the radius to the proximal rows and distal rows of carpal bones. Also, they make sure that the hand and forearm move together besides stability during supination.
Dorsal Radiocarpal Ligament:
This is similar to the palmar ligament but it is on the dorsal side of the wrist joint. Its another function is to make sure that the hand moves with the arm during pronation.
Ulnar Collateral Ligament:
This ligament is a rounded cord. It is connected over to the end from the ulnar styloid procedure to the triquetral bone and pisiform bone.
Radial Collateral Ligament:
This ligament extends from the radial styloid procedure to the lateral scaphoid bone and trapezium bone.
Nerves
The three major nerves in the wrist are:
- Radial Nerve
- Median Nerve
- Ulnar Nerve
Wrist Pain
Wrist pain is frequently caused by sprains or fractures from unexpected injuries. Also, it can result in lasting problems such as tedious stress, arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. As so many factors can become a cause of this pain diagnosing its accurate cause can be difficult.
Wrist Disorders
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Arthritis
- Ganglion cyst
- Tendinopathy
- Fractures
- Injuries
- Trigger finger
- Bone lesion
- Finger nerve injuries
- Ligament injuries
Examples
- Ali broke her wrist.
- Her wristwatch is very beautiful.
- I hit my wrist on the wall in anger.
- l have a pain in my wrist.
- Saba wears the gold bracelet on her wrist.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How do we pronounce the word wrist?
We pronounce this word as racist.
How many muscles are in the wrist?
There are almost 6 muscles in the carpus.
Mention the name of the useless muscles in the carpus.
The palmaris longus muscle is useless in the carpus.
Which of the muscles rotates the wrist?
- Flexor carpus radialis
- Flexor carpus ulnaris
- Palmaris longus
Mention the name of the largest wrist bone.
The capitate bone is the biggest in the wrist.
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