Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Content:
00:00 Introduction & Content
00:46 Joints of the Wrist
01:02 Radiocarpal Joint
03:48 Intercarpal Joint
04:20 Midcarpal Joint
05:19 Joints of the Hand
05:43 Carpometacarpal Joints (CMC)
06:30 Intermetacarpal Joints
06:49 Metacarpophalangeal Joints (MCP)
07:20 Interphalangeal Joints (IP, PIP, DIP)
08:04 Joints Summary
08:13 Other large ligaments of the hand and wrist
09:34 Tips
09:43 Outro & Next Topic

This video is about the joints of the wrist and hand.

In this video I break down every major articulation from the wrist to the fingertips - their anatomy, movement, and supporting ligaments.

Radiocarpal joint (Articulatio radiocarpea)
• Formed by the carpal articular surface of the radius and the articular disc (part of the triangular fibrocartilage complex)
• Articulates with: Scaphoid (os scaphoideum), Lunate (os lunatum), and Triquetrum (os triquetrum)
• Type: Ellipsoid (biaxial) joint
• Movements: Flexion (palmar flexion), extension (dorsiflexion), abduction (radial deviation), adduction (ulnar deviation)
• Ligaments:
 – Palmar radiocarpal ligament
 – Palmar ulnocarpal ligament
 – Dorsal radiocarpal ligament
 – Dorsal ulnocarpal ligament
 – Radial collateral ligament
 – Ulnar collateral ligament
• Capsule: Fibrous capsule reinforced by synovial membrane

Intercarpal joints (Articulationes intercarpeae)
• Between neighboring carpal bones in each row
• Type: Plane joints
• Ligaments:
 – Palmar intercarpal ligaments
 – Dorsal intercarpal ligaments
 – Interosseous intercarpal ligaments
• Function: Stabilize the carpal arch and assist in force transmission during load-bearing tasks

Midcarpal joint (Articulatio mediocarpea)
• Located between the proximal row and distal row of carpal bones
• Not a single joint cavity; rather, a composite joint with an S-shaped contour
• Movements: Augments wrist extension and radial/ulnar deviation
• Ligaments: Shares palmar and dorsal intercarpal ligaments with adjacent joints

Carpometacarpal joints (Articulationes carpometacarpeae)
• Between distal carpal row and bases of metacarpals (ossa metacarpi)
• Joints of digits II–V: Plane joints with limited motion
• Thumb (CMC I):
 – Saddle joint
 – Movements: Flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, opposition
• Ligaments:
 – Palmar and dorsal carpometacarpal ligaments

Intermetacarpal joints (Articulationes intermetacarpeae)
• Between bases of metacarpals II–V
• Ligaments:
 – Dorsal metacarpal ligaments
 – Palmar metacarpal ligaments
 – Interosseous metacarpal ligaments
• Function: Stabilize hand posture and allow slight gliding

Metacarpophalangeal joints (Articulationes metacarpophalangeae)
• Between heads of metacarpals and bases of proximal phalanges (phalanges proximales)
• Type: Condyloid joints (biaxial)
• Movements: Flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, circumduction
• Ligaments:
 – Medial and lateral collateral ligaments
 – Palmar ligaments (volar plates)
 – Deep transverse metacarpal ligament

Interphalangeal joints (Articulationes interphalangeae)
• Digits II–V:
 – Proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP)
 – Distal interphalangeal joint (DIP)
• Thumb:
 – One interphalangeal joint only
• Type: Hinge joints (uniaxial)
• Ligaments:
 – Medial and lateral collateral ligaments
 – Palmar ligaments (volar plates)
• Function: Allow flexion and extension with strong lateral support

Additional ligamentous and fascial structures (not primary joint stabilizers):
• Palmar aponeurosis – Protects flexor tendons and stabilizes soft tissue during grip
• Superficial transverse metacarpal ligament – Located at distal edge of palmar aponeurosis
• Palmar carpal ligament – Forms superficial component of the flexor retinaculum

Clinical notes covered:
• TFCC injury
• Thumb CMC osteoarthritis
• Ligament sprains and dislocations
• PIP joint instability and hyperextension
• Volar plate injury
• MCP collateral ligament rupture (Gamekeeper’s thumb)
• Joint movement during grasp, grip, and fine motor control

Want to test your knowledge with a quiz or download a full visual study note PDF of this lecture? Head to my website to find:
• Full anatomy PDF
• Quiz questions
• Organized anatomy lectures by region
PDF available soon.
Link: taimtalksmed.com

Sources:
• Kozlowski, T. (2017). Memorix Anatomy, 2nd ed.
• Standring, S. (2020). Gray’s Anatomy, 42nd ed.
• Platzer, W. (2004). Color Atlas of Human Anatomy Vol. 1: Locomotor System
• White TD, Folkens PA. (2005). The Human Bone Manual

Programs used: Complete Anatomy, Powerpoint, Canva, Camtasia