Fourth metacarpal bone
| Fourth metacarpal bone | |
|---|---|
 The fourth metacarpal. (Left.) | |
 A fractured right hand fourth metacarpal | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | os metacarpale IV |
| FMA | 23902 |
| Anatomical terms of bone | |
The fourth metacarpal bone (metacarpal bone of the ring finger) is shorter and smaller than the third.
The base is small and quadrilateral; its superior surface presents two facets, a large one medially for articulation with the hamate, and a small one laterally for the capitate.
On the radial side are two oval facets, for articulation with the third metacarpal; and on the ulnar side a single concave facet, for the fifth metacarpal.
Clinical relevance
A shortend fourth metacarspal bone can be a symptom of Kallmann syndrome, a genetic condition which results in the failure to commence or the non-completion of puberty.
See also
References
This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 228 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)
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