The five long, thin bones that form the palm of the hand are called the metacarpal bones, and they are numbered from the thumb (metacarpal 1) to the little finger (metacarpal 5) (Option D).
Step-by-step explanation:
The five long, thin bones that form the palm of the hand are known as the metacarpal bones. These bones are essential in connecting the carpal bones of the wrist to the phalanges of the fingers.
In anatomical numbering, these bones are labeled metacarpals 1-5, beginning with the bone of the thumb and moving laterally across to the little finger.
The first metacarpal bone is associated with a greater range of motion in comparison to the others, allowing the thumb its versatile mobility.
Furthermore, each metacarpal bone articulates with one of the distal carpal bones proximally and with the corresponding proximal phalanx of each finger or thumb at the metacarpophalangeal joint distally, forming the knuckles.
Hence, the correct answer is Option D. Metacarpals.