Human Anatomy

Step 1: Identify the anatomical location in question.
The wrist is the joint connecting the hand to the forearm.

Step 2: Recall the bones of the wrist.
The wrist is composed of eight small bones called carpals.
These are arranged in two rows (proximal and distal).
- Proximal row (from lateral to medial): Scaphoid, Lunate, Triquetrum, Pisiform.
- Distal row (from lateral to medial): Trapezium, Trapezoid, Capitate, Hamate.
These carpal bones articulate with the radius and ulna of the forearm proximally, and with the metacarpals of the hand distally.

Step 3: Evaluate the options.
Option (1) Pelvic bones: These form the pelvis (hip girdle), located in the lower part of the trunk.
Not in the wrist.
Option (2) Cartilage: This is a connective tissue found in many areas of the body, including lining the surfaces of joints (articular cartilage).
While present in the wrist joints, it is not the name for the small bones themselves.
Option (3) Carpals: These are the eight small bones that make up the wrist.
This is correct.
Option (4) Hinge: This refers to a type of synovial joint that allows movement in one plane (like a door hinge), such as the elbow or knee.
The wrist is a more complex joint (condyloid type primarily) allowing multiple movements, but "hinge" is not a bone.

Step 4: Identify the correct term.
The small bones in the wrist are called carpals.
This matches option (3).