Final answer:
The palmar surface of the carpal bones forms the concave floor of the carpal tunnel, which is the passageway for tendons and nerves entering the hand from the anterior forearm.
Step-by-step explanation:
The anterior or palmar surface of the carpal bones is known as the carpal tunnel. This anatomic structure is composed of the U-shaped grouping of the carpal bones, with the flexor retinaculum ligament serving as the roof. The carpal tunnel facilitates the passage of nine muscle tendons and a major nerve into the hand, originating from the anterior forearm.
The palmar surface created by the carpal bones is concave. This concavity is essential for the function of the carpal tunnel, accommodating the tendons and nerve that pass through it. Given this concave shape, the palmar surface acts as the floor of the carpal tunnel.
To recall the arrangement of the carpal bones, the mnemonic 'So Long To Pinky, Here Comes The Thumb' is often used. Starting from the lateral side, the proximal bones are the scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, and pisiform, and the distal bones are the hamate, capitate, trapezoid, and trapezium when reversing direction from the medial side.