There are
eight carpals in
the human anatomy. Only one is
evident, the
pisiform bone, which projects
posteriorly on the
little finger side of the hand. For most people, it appears to be a small rounded elevation just above the
styloid process of the ulna (that goofy
wrist bump).
Ligaments bind the carpals closely and firmly together in two rows of four each -- proximal row, from little finger to thumb: pisiform, triquereum, lunate, and scaphoid bones. In the distal row: hamate, capitate, trapezoid, and trapezium bones.
The joints between the carpals and radius permit wrist and hand movements.