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Bones of the handCarpal bonesSkeletal systemWrist

Trapezium (bone)

Adapted from Wikipedia · Discoverer experience

An illustration of the trapezium bone in the hand, shown in red for easy identification.

The trapezium bone, also known as the greater multangular bone, is one of the small bones in the hand. It is located on the thumb side of the wrist and plays an important role in hand movements. The trapezium helps form the radial border of the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway in the wrist that protects important nerves and tendons. This bone is key to the flexibility and strength of the hand, allowing us to grip, twist, and perform many daily tasks with ease. Understanding the trapezium bone helps us appreciate how our hands are built to support a wide range of activities.

Structure

The trapezium is a small bone in the wrist located on the thumb side. It sits between the scaphoid and the bone connected to the thumb. This bone helps give the thumb its special movement.

The trapezium has several surfaces that connect to other wrist bones and muscles. Its top surface links with the scaphoid, while its bottom surface matches the base of the bone connected to the thumb, allowing the thumb to move in many directions. The side facing the palm has a deep groove that helps a muscle in the wrist work properly.

Function

The carpal bones work together to give the hand a strong structure. The trapezium bone is the most outward bone around the carpal tunnel. It plays a key role in helping the thumb move.

Clinical relevance

The trapezium bone can sometimes develop arthritis where it connects to the bone of the thumb. This usually happens because the hand is used a lot over time.

Etymology

The word "trapezium" comes from the Greek word trapezion, which means "a little table". This comes from an even older Greek word, trapeza, meaning "table". The term was first used in the year 1840.

Additional images

The trapezium bone, also known as the greater multangular bone, is one of the carpal bones in the hand. Here are some images showing its position and appearance from different views:

  • Position of trapezium (shown in red). Left hand. Animation.
  • Trapezium of the left hand.
  • Trapezium bone.
  • Right hand posterior view (dorsal view). Thumb on bottom.
  • Right hand anterior view (palmar view). Thumb on top.
  • Bones of the left hand. Palmar surface. Trapezium shown in yellow.
  • Bones of the left hand. Dorsal surface. Trapezium shown in yellow.
  • Trapezium shown in red (labelled as "Greater Multang"). Cross section of wrist (thumb on left). Trapezium shown in red (labelled as "Greater Multang").
  • Transverse section across the wrist and digits. Trapezium is shown in yellow (labelled as "Greater Multang").
  • Ligaments of wrist. Anterior view
  • Tendons of forefinger and vincula tendina.

Images

An illustration of the trapezium bone, part of the human hand's wrist structure.
Anatomical diagram showing the location of the trapezium bone in the human hand.
Anatomy diagram showing the trapezium bone in the human hand.
Anatomy diagram showing the trapezium bone of the left hand, highlighted in yellow.
Anatomy diagram showing the trapezium bone of the left hand.
Anatomy diagram showing the bones of the wrist, with the trapezium bone highlighted in yellow.
Anatomy illustration showing the left greater multangular bone, part of the hand's skeletal structure.
A 3D animation showing the trapezium bone, one of the small bones in the human wrist.
An animation showing the trapezium bone, one of the small bones in the wrist.
An illustration showing the wrist bones, with the trapezium bone highlighted in red.
Illustration showing the ligaments of the wrist, helpful for learning about human anatomy.
Anatomical illustration showing muscles and tendons of the human hand from Gray's Anatomy.

This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on Trapezium (bone), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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