Final answer:
Carpal bones are located in the wrist and consist of eight bones arranged in two rows, each with unique shapes and names which contribute to the wrist's mobility.
Step-by-step explanation:
The carpal bones are found in the wrist. These bones are arranged into two rows and form the base of the hand. The proximal row consists of the scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, and pisiform bones, while the distal row is made up of the trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, and hamate bones. Each carpal bone has a unique shape and name reflecting its appearance, such as the 'boat-shaped' scaphoid or the 'moon-shaped' lunate. The arrangement of the carpal bones allows for significant flexibility and motion in the wrist joint. This is in contrast to what you might think considering that the more mobile a joint, typically, the weaker the joint. However, the carpal bones do provide a stable platform for hand movements, with the shoulder joint allowing for an even greater range of motion.