Final answer:
The metacarpophalangeal joints of digits II-V allow for flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and circumduction. Flexion and extension move the fingers towards and away from the palm, while abduction and adduction move them side to side.
Step-by-step explanation:
The motions that occur at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints of digits II-V include flexion and extension as well as abduction and adduction. These motions allow us to move our fingers in various functional ways. Flexion and extension at the MCP joints are movements in the sagittal plane, allowing the fingers to bend towards the palm and straighten out, respectively.
Abduction and adduction movements occur in the coronal plane; abduction moves the fingers away from the midline of the hand, while adduction brings them closer together. Circumduction, which is a circular motion that involves a sequence of flexion, abduction, extension, and adduction, is also possible at these joints.