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Metacarpi Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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metacarpi

[ˌmɛtəˈkɑːrpaɪ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

anatomy

Metacarpi refers to the five long bones in the human hand that are located between the wrist and the fingers. They play a crucial role in the structure and function of the hand, allowing for a wide range of motion and dexterity.

Examples of usage

  • The metacarpi connect the wrist to the fingers.
  • Fractures of the metacarpi can lead to pain and limited movement.
  • During surgery, the surgeon may need to reposition the metacarpi.
  • The alignment of the metacarpi is vital for proper hand function.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Anatomy

  • Each metacarpus bone has a base (connected to the wrist), a shaft (the long part), and a head (connected to the fingers).
  • These bones are crucial for hand movements, enabling gripping and controlling various tasks.
  • The first metacarpal is the shortest and thickest, supporting the thumb in its wide range of motion.

Health

  • Injuries to the metacarpi, like fractures, can occur from falls or direct blows, affecting hand function.
  • Conditions such as arthritis can impact the joints at the base of these bones, leading to pain and stiffness.
  • Proper movement and exercise can strengthen these bones and prevent injuries.

Cultural Significance

  • The dexterity of the hand, enabled by the metacarpi, has played a crucial role in human evolution and tool-making.
  • In various cultures, hand gestures (like thumbs up) show how the metacarpi help express emotions.
  • Traditional crafts, such as pottery and weaving, rely heavily on the dexterity and strength provided by these bones.

Sports

  • Athletes need strong and flexible metacarpi for gripping, throwing, and impact activities.
  • In sports like basketball, the metacarpal bones undergo significant strain during dribbling and passing.
  • Injuries to these bones can sideline athletes, making protective gear essential in some sports.

Origin of 'metacarpi'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Greek word 'meta' meaning 'beyond' and 'karpos' meaning 'wrist'.
  • In anatomy, the 'meta-' prefix is used in many terms to indicate a change or progression.
  • The word has been used in medical texts since the 17th century.

The term 'metacarpi' is derived from the Latin 'metacarpus', which itself comes from the Greek 'metakarpós'. The prefix 'meta-' means 'beyond' or 'after', while 'carpus' refers to the wrist. Thus, metacarpus literally translates to 'beyond the wrist', indicating the position of these bones in relation to the wrist. The word has been used in medical and anatomical contexts since the Renaissance period, when anatomists began to develop more precise terminology for studying the human body. Its structure and significance were better understood through the advancements in both anatomy and surgery, and it has remained an important term in medical terminology ever since.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,390, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.