Trapezoid bone

Bone: Trapezoid bone
BONES OF HAND Proximal: A=Scaphoid, B=Lunate, C=Triquetral, D=Pisiform Distal: E=Trapezium, F=Trapezoid, G=Capitate, H=Hamate
The left lesser multangular bone.
Latin	os trapezoideum, os multangulum minus
Gray's	subject #54 225
Articulations	articulates with four bones: scaphoid proximally second metacarpal distally trapezium bone laterally capitate medially
MeSH	Trapezoid+Bone

The trapezoid bone (lesser multangular bone) is a carpal bone in tetrapods, including humans. It is the smallest bone in the distal row. It may be known by its wedge-shaped form, the broad end of the wedge constituting the dorsal, the narrow end the palmar surface; and by its having four articular facets touching each other, and separated by sharp edges. It is homologous with the "second distal carpal" of reptiles and amphibians.

The etymology derives from the Greek trapezion which means "irregular quadrilateral," from tra- "four" and peza "foot" or "edge." Literally, "a little table" from trapeza meaning "table" and -oeides "shaped."

Surfaces

The superior surface, quadrilateral, smooth, and slightly concave, articulates with the scaphoid.

The inferior surface articulates with the proximal end of the second metacarpal bone; it is convex from side to side, concave from before backward and subdivided by an elevated ridge into two unequal facets.

The dorsal and palmar surfaces are rough for the attachment of ligaments, the former being the larger of the two.

The lateral surface, convex and smooth, articulates with the trapezium.

The medial surface is concave and smooth in front, for articulation with the capitate; rough behind, for the attachment of an interosseous ligament.

See also

• Bone terminology
• Terms for anatomical location
• Trapezoid distinguishing meanings of trapezoid and trapezium in American English and British English

Additional images

Bones of the left hand. Dorsal surface.

Transverse section across the wrist and digits.

This article was originally based on an entry from a public domain edition of Gray's Anatomy. As such, some of the information contained herein may be outdated.