Final answer:
The metacarpals are the long bones of the palm located beyond the carpals and articulate at the carpometacarpal joints, playing a crucial role in hand movements and gripping strength.
Step-by-step explanation:
The metacarpals are the five long bones that form the structure of the palm of the hand. They are located between the carpals (bones of the wrist) and the phalanges (bones of the fingers). The prefix 'meta-' implies 'after' or 'beyond,' implying that the metacarpals are situated distally to the carpals. The proximal ends of the metacarpals join with the distal row of the carpal bones at the carpometacarpal joints. These joints facilitate the movement and articulation necessary for functions such as gripping.
The metacarpophalangeal joints are formed where the distal ends of the metacarpals meet the proximal phalanges of the fingers and thumb, which are numbered from one to five, starting from the thumb. Specifically, the first metacarpal bone is associated with greater mobility, particularly important for thumb function, while the fourth and fifth metacarpals exhibit some anterior-posterior movement to enhance gripping strength. Therefore, in anatomical terms, the metacarpals lie distal to (or beyond) the carpals in the skeletal structure of the hand.