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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Hand Anatomy Quiz: Forearm, Wrist, and Carpal Bones

Quick, free wrist anatomy quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Ari TaylorUpdated Aug 26, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for forearm, hand, and wrist anatomy quiz on sky blue background

This quiz helps you review forearm, hand, and wrist anatomy, with a focus on the carpal bones, and check what you know in minutes. If you want more practice, try the carpal bones quiz, build coverage with the bones of the hand quiz, or strengthen muscle knowledge with the muscles of the hand quiz.

Which carpal bone is located in the proximal row on the radial (lateral) side of the wrist?
Lunate
Pisiform
Scaphoid
Triquetrum
The scaphoid sits in the proximal row of the carpus on the radial (lateral) side and articulates directly with the radius. It is the most commonly fractured carpal bone due to its position. Injury to it can compromise blood supply leading to avascular necrosis.
What bone articulates with the distal end of the ulna at the wrist joint?
Triquetrum
Lunate
Radius
No carpal bone; fibrocartilage disk (TFCC)
The ulna does not articulate directly with any carpal bones; the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) acts as an articular disc between the ulna and carpal bones. This structure stabilizes the ulnar side of the wrist. Injuries to the TFCC can cause ulnar-sided wrist pain.
Which muscle is the primary wrist extensor?
Palmaris longus
Extensor carpi radialis longus
Flexor carpi ulnaris
Flexor carpi radialis
Extensor carpi radialis longus originates from the lateral supracondylar ridge of the humerus and extends the wrist. It also abducts the hand at the wrist joint. Dysfunction can lead to weakened wrist extension.
Which ligament connects the pisiform to the hamate bone?
Scapholunate ligament
Transverse carpal ligament
Ulnar collateral ligament
Pisohamate ligament
The pisohamate ligament extends from the pisiform to the hook of the hamate and forms part of Guyon's canal. It helps stabilize the ulnar side of the wrist and protect the ulnar nerve and artery. Injuries may cause ulnar neuropathy.
What is the anatomical snuffbox bordered by?
Flexor carpi radialis and palmaris longus
Extensor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis
Abductor pollicis longus and flexor pollicis longus
Extensor carpi ulnaris and flexor carpi ulnaris
The anatomical snuffbox is bounded medially by the tendon of extensor pollicis longus and laterally by the tendons of extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus. Its floor is formed by the scaphoid and trapezium. Clinically, tenderness here suggests scaphoid fracture.
Which artery primarily supplies blood to the lateral aspect of the forearm?
Radial artery
Posterior interosseous artery
Ulnar artery
Anterior interosseous artery
The radial artery runs on the lateral (thumb) side of the forearm and supplies blood to that region. It is commonly palpated at the wrist for pulse assessment. Its deep palmar branch contributes to hand circulation.
Which nerve travels through the carpal tunnel?
Radial nerve
Ulnar nerve
Musculocutaneous nerve
Median nerve
The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel along with nine flexor tendons. Compression of this nerve in the tunnel leads to carpal tunnel syndrome with sensory and motor deficits in the median nerve distribution. Surgical release of the transverse carpal ligament can relieve symptoms.
Which bone is not part of the distal carpal row?
Capitate
Scaphoid
Trapezium
Hamate
The scaphoid lies in the proximal carpal row, articulating with the radius. The distal row contains the trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, and hamate. Recognizing rows aids in diagnosing wrist fractures and dislocations.
Which tendon forms the medial border of the carpal tunnel?
Palmaris longus
Flexor carpi radialis
Extensor carpi ulnaris
Flexor carpi ulnaris
The flexor carpi ulnaris tendon lies medially and is outside the carpal tunnel itself, but its pisiform insertion contributes to the tunnel's medial boundary via the pisohamate ligament. The tunnel roof is formed by the flexor retinaculum. Understanding these borders is key in carpal tunnel syndrome.
Which muscle flexes the distal interphalangeal joints of the fingers?
Extensor digitorum
Lumbricals
Flexor digitorum profundus
Flexor digitorum superficialis
Flexor digitorum profundus sends tendons to the distal phalanges and flexes the distal interphalangeal joints. Superficialis only flexes the proximal interphalangeal joints. Injuries to the profundus tendon impair fine finger movements.
What structure stabilizes the extensor tendons at the dorsum of the wrist?
Palmar aponeurosis
Extensor retinaculum
Flexor retinaculum
Annular ligaments
The extensor retinaculum is a fibrous band that holds the extensor tendons in place at the dorsal wrist. It prevents bowstringing during extension of the wrist and fingers. Its injury can lead to tendon subluxation.
Which carpal bone articulates with the first metacarpal?
Trapezoid
Hamate
Trapezium
Capitate
The trapezium articulates with the first metacarpal, forming the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb which allows for opposition. This saddle joint gives the thumb its wide range of motion. Arthritis here is common with repetitive use.
Which deep forearm muscle contributes to pronation of the forearm?
Supinator
Pronator quadratus
Brachioradialis
Pronator teres
Pronator quadratus lies deep at the distal forearm and is the prime mover for pronation. Pronator teres assists but is more superficial. Damage to the anterior interosseous nerve impairs its function.
Which ligament connects the radial styloid to the scaphoid and trapezium bones?
Palmar radiocarpal ligament
Ulnar collateral ligament
Scapholunate ligament
Radial collateral ligament
The radial collateral ligament runs from the radial styloid process to the scaphoid and trapezium, stabilizing the lateral wrist. It resists ulnar deviation forces. Injuries occur with forced ulnar deviation.
Which muscle attaches to the base of the second and third metacarpals and assists in wrist flexion and abduction?
Palmaris longus
Extensor carpi radialis brevis
Flexor carpi radialis
Flexor carpi ulnaris
Flexor carpi radialis inserts on the bases of the second and sometimes third metacarpals, flexing and radially deviating the wrist. It originates from the medial epicondyle of the humerus. Weakness leads to reduced flexion and abduction.
Which nerve can be compressed in Guyon's canal at the wrist?
Radial nerve
Ulnar nerve
Median nerve
Anterior interosseous nerve
Guyon's canal is formed by the pisiform and hamate hook, containing the ulnar nerve and artery. Compression causes ulnar neuropathy with sensory loss in the little and ring fingers. Cyclist handlebar palsy is a common cause.
Which artery gives rise to the anterior interosseous artery?
Ulnar artery
Radial artery
Subclavian artery
Brachial artery
The anterior interosseous artery branches from the common interosseous artery, which arises from the ulnar artery shortly distal to the elbow. It runs along the anterior interosseous membrane supplying deep forearm structures. Injury can lead to ischemia of deep flexor muscles.
Which carpal bone lies directly distal to the radius and between the scaphoid and triquetrum?
Hamate
Capitate
Lunate
Trapezium
The lunate is centrally located in the proximal carpal row, articulating proximally with the radius and distally with the capitate. It is prone to dislocation and avascular necrosis (Kienböck's disease). Palpation shows it in the carpal sulcus.
Which muscle group is innervated by the deep branch of the ulnar nerve?
Thenar muscles
Flexor digitorum superficialis
Interossei muscles
Lumbricals I and II
The deep branch of the ulnar nerve supplies all interossei muscles and the medial two lumbricals as well as adductor pollicis. It passes through Guyon's canal and can be entrapped there. Dysfunction leads to finger adduction/abduction weakness.
Which tendon lies most superficially in the carpal tunnel?
Flexor digitorum profundus
Flexor pollicis longus
Flexor digitorum superficialis
Flexor carpi radialis
The tendons of flexor digitorum superficialis lie superficial to those of flexor digitorum profundus in the carpal tunnel. Flexor pollicis longus lies lateral in its own separate compartment. Awareness of relative positions is critical in tunnel release surgery.
Which carpal bone contains a hook that forms part of Guyon's canal?
Trapezoid
Pisiform
Capitate
Hamate
The hook (hamulus) of the hamate projects anteriorly to form the ulnar border of Guyon's canal. The pisiform forms the medial wall. Ulnar nerve compression often occurs here.
Which tendon of the forearm flexor group does not cross the wrist joint?
Flexor carpi ulnaris
Flexor digitorum superficialis
Palmaris longus
Flexor carpi radialis
Palmaris longus attaches to the palmar aponeurosis instead of crossing the wrist joint to bone, making it absent in about 14% of individuals. It helps tense the palmar aponeurosis. Its tendon is often harvested for grafts.
Which muscle originates on the distal ulna and inserts on the base of the distal phalanx of the thumb?
Flexor pollicis brevis
Adductor pollicis
Extensor pollicis longus
Flexor pollicis longus
Flexor pollicis longus arises from the anterior surface of the radius and interosseous membrane and inserts on the distal phalanx of the thumb, flexing the interphalangeal joint. It lies in the carpal tunnel lateral compartment. Injury impairs thumb flexion.
Which nerve provides sensation to the dorsal radial aspect of the hand?
Posterior interosseous nerve
Superficial branch of the radial nerve
Median nerve
Deep branch of the ulnar nerve
The superficial branch of the radial nerve travels subcutaneously on the dorsal radial side of the hand, supplying sensation to the back of the thumb, index, middle, and radial half of the ring finger. It does not supply motor function. Entrapment can cause sensory deficits.
Which intrinsic hand muscle is the only one innervated by the median nerve?
Lumbricals to digits 3 and 4
Lumbricals to digits 1 and 2
Palmar interossei
Dorsal interossei
The first and second lumbricals are innervated by the median nerve, while the third and fourth lumbricals receive ulnar innervation. They flex the metacarpophalangeal joints and extend the interphalangeal joints. This dual innervation pattern is key for fine motor control.
Which artery completes the deep palmar arch?
Radial artery
Ulnar artery
Superficial palmar branch
Deep branch of the ulnar artery
The radial artery dives to the deep palm and anastomoses with the deep branch of the ulnar artery to form the deep palmar arch. This arch supplies the palmar metacarpal arteries. Its integrity is vital for hand perfusion.
Which structure passes through the supinator canal (Arcade of Frohse)?
Superficial branch of the radial nerve
Deep branch of the radial nerve
Ulnar nerve
Median nerve
The deep branch of the radial nerve, also called the posterior interosseous nerve after passing through the supinator canal, travels between the two heads of supinator. Entrapment here leads to finger and wrist extensor weakness. Understanding this passage is crucial in radial tunnel syndrome.
Which tendon shift is seen in an ulnar drift deformity of the fingers in rheumatoid arthritis?
Flexor tendons shift ulnarly
Flexor tendons shift radially
Extensor tendons shift ulnarly
Extensor tendons shift radially
In ulnar drift, flexor tendons slip to the radial side of each finger's axis due to ligament laxity, causing the fingers to drift ulnarly. The extensor tendons often sublux in the opposite direction. It results from chronic synovitis weakening the joint capsule.
Which joint permits the greatest range of motion of the wrist?
Distal radioulnar joint
Midcarpal joint
Radiocarpal joint
Carpometacarpal joint of the thumb
The radiocarpal joint contributes approximately 50% of wrist flexion and extension, and some radial/ulnar deviation. The midcarpal joint contributes the remainder. Together they provide the full range, but the radiocarpal is primary.
Which carpal articulation is most prone to degenerative arthritis in manual laborers?
Radiolunate joint
Pisotriquetral joint
Capitotrapezoidal joint
Scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal joint
The scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal joint bears high loads during pinch and grip, predisposing it to osteoarthritis. Manual labor and repetitive thumb use accelerate wear. Treatments include bracing, injections, or surgical fusion.
Which interosseous membrane band prevents separation of radius and ulna during load bearing?
Distal oblique bundle
Central band
Volar oblique band
Accessory band
The central band of the interosseous membrane is the strongest component, transmitting forces from the radius to the ulna. It maintains the relationship of the two bones. Tears here lead to instability and pain.
Which extensor compartment contains the extensor indicis tendon?
Fourth compartment
Sixth compartment
First compartment
Second compartment
The fourth extensor compartment houses the extensor digitorum and extensor indicis tendons deep to the extensor retinaculum. It allows independent extension of the index finger. Tenosynovitis here can impair finger extension.
Which bony landmark is used to palpate the lunate on the dorsum of the wrist?
In the middle of the distal wrist crease
Just radial to the ulnar styloid
Between the heads of the metacarpals
At the apex of the anatomical snuffbox
The lunate lies just distal to the distal wrist crease in the midline and can be palpated there, especially during slight wrist flexion. Dislocation of the lunate alters this contour. Assessing this landmark aids in diagnosis.
Which muscle's tendon travels through the ulnar tunnel (Guyon's canal) alongside the ulnar nerve?
Flexor carpi ulnaris
Palmaris longus
Flexor digitorum profundus
Flexor carpi ulnaris tendon itself
The tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris inserts on the pisiform and forms the medial border of Guyon's canal; it runs beside the ulnar nerve and artery. Overuse can lead to canal compression. This is distinct from carpal tunnel contents.
Which artery supplies the majority of blood to the lunate and triquetrum via its palmar branch?
Anterior interosseous artery
Ulnar artery
Recurrent radial artery
Posterior interosseous artery
The ulnar artery gives off a palmar carpal branch that anastomoses with the radial palmar carpal branch, supplying the lunate and triquetrum. Disruption can lead to Kienböck's disease. Understanding vascular supply is key in wrist pathology.
Which carpal bone articulates with the base of the third metacarpal?
Trapezium
Capitate
Trapezoid
Hamate
The capitate sits centrally in the distal carpal row and articulates with the base of the third metacarpal. It is the largest carpal bone. Fracture can impair wrist mechanics significantly.
Which structure forms the floor of the carpal tunnel?
Flexor retinaculum
Transverse carpal ligament
Palmar aponeurosis
Carpal bones
The carpal bones (proximal and distal rows) form the bony floor of the carpal tunnel, while the flexor retinaculum (transverse carpal ligament) forms its roof. This configuration encloses the median nerve and flexor tendons. Bony irregularities can impinge tunnel contents.
Which ligamentous structure primarily limits excessive ulnar deviation at the wrist?
Ulnar collateral ligament
Dorsal radiocarpal ligament
Palmar radiocarpal ligament
Radial collateral ligament
The radial collateral ligament, running from the radial styloid to the scaphoid and trapezium, tightens in ulnar deviation to prevent excessive movement. It stabilizes the lateral wrist. Tears lead to pain and instability on the radial side.
In a perilunate dislocation, which bone is typically displaced relative to the lunate?
Scaphoid volarly relative to lunate
Capitate dorsally relative to lunate
Lunate dorsally relative to radius
Trapezium volarly relative to lunate
Perilunate dislocation features dorsal displacement of the capitate relative to a normally aligned lunate and radius. It results from hyperextension injury. These injuries require prompt reduction and fixation.
Which deep branch of the ulnar artery contributes to the superficial palmar arch?
Recurrent branch
Carpal branch
Deep palmar branch
Superficial palmar branch
The ulnar artery gives off a superficial palmar branch before forming the superficial palmar arch with a superficial branch of the radial artery. The deep palmar branch goes on to form the deep arch. The superficial arch supplies the fingers via common palmar digital arteries.
Which zone of flexor tendon injury has the worst prognosis due to fibro-osseous sheaths and pulleys?
Zone II
Zone I
Zone IV
Zone III
Zone II extends from the distal palmar crease to the insertion of flexor digitorum superficialis; it is called 'no man's land' because of the complex fibro-osseous sheath and pulley system making repairs prone to adhesion. It has the worst functional outcome if injured.
Which intercarpal ligament is most critical for scaphoid stability?
Scapholunate ligament
Dorsal intercarpal ligament
Volar radiocarpal ligament
Lunotriquetral ligament
The scapholunate interosseous ligament spans between the scaphoid and lunate, maintaining their alignment. Its injury leads to scapholunate dissociation and wrist instability. Timely diagnosis is critical to prevent chronic collapse.
Which carpal tunnel structure is innervated by a branch of the median nerve and can be targeted for pain relief in trigger finger?
Transverse carpal ligament
Flexor retinaculum
Flexor digitorum profundus tendon sheath
A1 pulley
The A1 pulley is the first annular pulley at the metacarpal head level. It is innervated by palmar digital branches of the median nerve. Corticosteroid injection here relieves trigger finger by reducing pulley inflammation.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Carpal Bone Anatomy -

    Learn to recognize and name each of the eight carpal bones in the wrist, distinguishing their shapes and positions in the carpal row.

  2. Differentiate Forearm Muscle Groups -

    Distinguish between the flexor and extensor muscle groups in the forearm, understanding their origins, insertions, and primary actions on the wrist and fingers.

  3. Locate Key Hand Muscles -

    Pinpoint the intrinsic muscles of the hand, such as the lumbricals and interossei, and describe their roles in finger movement and grip strength.

  4. Analyze Ligament Function -

    Examine the major ligaments of the wrist, including the scapholunate and ulnar collateral ligaments, and explain how they contribute to joint stability.

  5. Apply Anatomical Knowledge Clinically -

    Use palpation techniques to identify bony landmarks and soft tissue structures during physical examination of the forearm, wrist, and hand.

  6. Evaluate Quiz Performance -

    Assess your understanding by reviewing instant feedback from the anatomy quiz, identifying areas for further study to boost your upper limb expertise.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Carpal Bone Arrangement and Mnemonic -

    Understanding the eight carpal bones is crucial for any wrist bones quiz. Use the classic mnemonic "Some Lovers Try Positions That They Can't Handle" to recall Scaphoid, Lunate, Triquetrum, Pisiform, Trapezium, Trapezoid, Capitate, and Hamate, as described in Gray's Anatomy. Visualizing their two rows helps you ace the forearm hand wrist anatomy quiz and improve spatial memory during your upper limb anatomy test.

  2. Forearm Muscle Compartments -

    The volar (flexor) and dorsal (extensor) compartments contain over a dozen muscles that control wrist and finger movements, as detailed by Netter's Atlas. Remember that flexors like Flexor Carpi Radialis and Flexor Digitorum Superficialis lie anteriorly and are innervated by the median nerve, while extensors such as Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus lie posteriorly under the radial nerve. Reviewing these groups boosts your hand anatomy quiz performance and deepens your forearm muscles anatomy knowledge.

  3. Radiocarpal and Midcarpal Ligaments -

    Key stabilizers include the palmar radiocarpal, dorsal radiocarpal, and scapholunate ligaments, which you'll encounter in wrist bones quizzes and clinical exams (J Hand Surg. 2018). The palmar radiocarpal ligament resists hyperextension, while the scapholunate ligament maintains carpal alignment. Familiarity with these structures aids in diagnosing common injuries and strengthens your upper limb anatomy test recall.

  4. Intrinsic Hand Muscle Groups -

    The thenar eminence (abductor pollicis brevis, opponens pollicis, flexor pollicis brevis) and hypothenar eminence (abductor digiti minimi, flexor digiti minimi brevis) perform precision grips, per authoritative sources like the Journal of Anatomy. Remember "OAF" (Opponens, Abductor, Flexor) to sequence thenar muscles and link each group to the median or ulnar nerve. Highlighting these in your hand anatomy quiz clarifies fine motor control and clinical testing.

  5. Flexor Tendon Sheaths and Pulley System -

    A1 - A5 pulleys and the digital tendon sheaths ensure smooth finger flexion without bowstringing, as discussed in orthopedic literature. For quick recall, memorize "A1 at the MCP, A3 at the PIP" and connect each pulley to its joint level. Mastering this pulley map enhances your forearm hand wrist anatomy quiz accuracy and supports clinical reasoning in an upper limb anatomy test.

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