What are the bones of the hand collectively known as?

The bones of the hand are collectively known as the metacarpals, which consist of five long bones that connect the wrist to the fingers. Each metacarpal bone corresponds to one of the five fingers and provides structural support and mobility for hand functions, including gripping and manipulation.

In terms of the anatomy of the hand, the other terms refer to specific groupings of bones: carpals refer to the eight bones that make up the wrist, while phalanges are the bones of the fingers and thumb. The tibia is a bone of the lower leg and is unrelated to the bones of the hand. Understanding these distinctions is essential for properly identifying and studying the anatomy related to the hand.