Alberta Written Barber Practice Exam

What are the bones called that form the palm of the hand?

1. Phalanges

2. Metatarsals

3. Metacarpals

4. Carpals

The correct answer is: Metacarpals

The bones that form the palm of the hand are called metacarpals. There are five metacarpal bones, each corresponding to a finger. They connect the wrist (carpals) to the fingers (phalanges) and play a critical role in the hand's structure, allowing for movement and the ability to grasp and manipulate objects. In contrast, the phalanges are the bones of the fingers themselves, while the carpals are the bones of the wrist. Metatarsals, on the other hand, refer to the bones in the foot and are not relevant to the anatomy of the hand. Understanding these terms is essential for a comprehensive knowledge of human skeletal anatomy, especially for a barber who needs to be aware of hand movements and functionality when performing tasks.