THE FOURTH CARPAL BONE

The =fourth carpal= bone (Os carpale quartum, unciform) is somewhat

wedge-shaped, and is readily distinguished from the second by its

greater size and its posterior tubercle. The =superior= or =proximal

surface= articulates with the intermediate and ulnar; it is convex and

curves outward, backward, and downward, encroaching on the external and

posterior surfaces. The =inferior= or =distal surface= bears two inner

facets for the large (third) metacarpal and an outer one for the

external (fourth) metacarpal bone. The =internal surface= has two or

three facets for articulation with the third carpal, between which it is

excavated and rough. The =anterior= or =dorsal surface= is convex and

rough. The =external surface= is small, being encroached upon by the

superior articular surface. The =posterior= or =volar surface= bears a

tubercle on its lower part.[21]

A text-book of veterinary anatomy · 第 96 / 1619 题