Final answer:
The wrist, or carpal region, comprises eight small bones arranged in proximal and distal rows, held together by ligaments and enabling hand movement at the wrist through the radiocarpal and midcarpal joints.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Wrist and Carpal Bones
The wrist, also known as the carpal region, consists of eight small bones that are intricately arranged and ligament-bound to provide flexible movement. These bones are divided into two rows: a proximal row and a distal row. The proximal row includes the scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, and pisiform bones, arrayed from lateral to medial. The distal row comprises the trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, and hamate bones, also aligned from lateral to medial.
The carpal bones enable the various movements of the hand at the wrist, facilitated by the radiocarpal and midcarpal joints. The articulation between the distal carpal bones and the metacarpal bones of the hand is essential for wrist motion. The flexor retinaculum, a strong band of connective tissue, spans the anterior wrist and secures the carpal bones, forming the roof of the carpal tunnel.