Which bones are located in the palm area of the hand?

The metacarpals are the bones that form the framework of the palm. There are five metacarpal bones in each hand, and they are numbered from one to five starting with the thumb side. These bones connect the wrist to the fingers and provide structure and support for the palm. Their elongated shape is key in allowing flexibility and movement of the hand, making them essential for grasping and manipulating objects.

In contrast, the carpals are the eight bones that make up the wrist, which is located proximal to the metacarpals. The phalanges are the bones of the fingers, found distal to the metacarpals. The radius and ulna are the two long bones of the forearm, providing support for the arm but are not part of the palm itself. Thus, the metacarpals are specifically recognized as the bones that comprise the palm area of the hand.