Fourth metacarpal bone

Fourth metacarpal bone
Fourth metacarpal of the left hand (shown in red). Palmer view.
The fourth metacarpal. (Left.)
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.

Additional images

• 
  Fourth metacarpal bone of the left hand (shown in red). Animation.
• 
  Fourth metacarpal bone of the left hand. Close up.
• 
  Palmer view of the left hand (fourth metacarpal shown in yellow).
• 
  Dorsal view of the left hand (fourth metacarpal shown in yellow).
• 
  A fractured right hand fourth metacarpal.

See also

• Metacarpus
• First metacarpal bone
• Second metacarpal bone
• Third metacarpal bone
• Fifth metacarpal bone

References

This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 228 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)