Which nerve runs through the wrist and carpals?

The median nerve is the correct choice because it specifically passes through the wrist and the carpal tunnel, which is a narrow passageway formed by the carpal bones and the transverse carpal ligament. The median nerve innervates various muscles in the forearm and hand, including those responsible for thumb opposition and finger flexion.

In contrast, the sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body, and it runs through the hip and down the leg rather than the wrist. The ulnar nerve, while it does run into the hand, travels along the ulna and primarily affects the pinky and part of the ring finger; it does not pass through the carpal tunnel. Likewise, the occipital nerve is related to the head and neck area, having no relevance to the wrist or hand. Thus, the median nerve's unique anatomy and function make it the pertinent nerve associated with the wrist and carpals.