Where are carpal bones found?

Carpal bones are found in the wrist. They are the eight small bones forming the carpus, the jointed region connecting the forearm to the hand.

The eight bones are arranged in two rows. The proximal row contains the scaphoid, lunate, triquetral, and pisiform; the distal row contains the trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, and hamate. Together they create a compact but flexible structure that lets the hand bend, rotate, and adjust its position.

The carpal bones also help form the carpal tunnel, a passageway on the palm side of the wrist. The median nerve and several tendons pass through it, which is why swelling or pressure in this area can cause the numbness and tingling associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. A common mix-up is calling all wrist-area bones carpals: the radius and ulna are forearm bones, while the metacarpals extend from the wrist into the hand.