Metacarpal Bones

The metacarpal bones are five long cylindrical bones in the body of the hand. The bones run from the carpal bones of the wrist to the base of each digit of the hand. On the palm of the hand a thick layer of fibrous, connective tissue pads the bones; on the back of the hand, they can be seen and felt through the skin. The heads of the metacarpal bones form the knuckles.