Metacarpal vs. Metatarsal — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 20, 2024
Metacarpals form the structure of the hand while metatarsals form the foot's structure, both critical in human skeletal anatomy.
Difference Between Metacarpal and Metatarsal
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Metacarpals are the bones in the hand located between the wrist (carpal bones) and the phalanges (finger bones), playing a key role in hand movements. Whereas metatarsals are similar in function but located in the foot, spanning between the ankle (tarsal bones) and the toes (phalanges), crucial for walking and balance.
The human hand consists of five metacarpal bones, each corresponding to a finger, allowing diverse and precise movements such as grasping. On the other hand, the foot also has five metatarsal bones, each linked to a toe, but these bones are adapted to support body weight and aid in locomotion.
Metacarpal bones are generally shorter and more mobile, facilitating complex hand functions like typing or playing musical instruments. Whereas metatarsal bones are longer and less mobile, designed to absorb impacts during walking, running, or jumping.
Due to their positioning in the hand, metacarpals are more exposed to fractures from direct impacts or compressive forces. In contrast, metatarsals often suffer injuries due to overuse, such as stress fractures, common in athletes and dancers.
The arrangement of metacarpals contributes to the hand's arch, essential for gripping and manipulating objects. Metatarsals form the arches of the foot, crucial for distributing weight and maintaining balance during movement.
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Comparison Chart
Location
In the hand between the wrist and the fingers
In the foot between the ankle and the toes
Number in Human Body
Five
Five
Function
Facilitate hand movements and gripping
Support weight and assist in walking
Typical Injury
Fractures due to impact or compression
Stress fractures from overuse
Contribution to Anatomy
Form the hand's arch for gripping
Form the foot's arch for weight distribution
Compare with Definitions
Metacarpal
A bone in the human hand extending from the wrist to the fingers.
The boxer broke his metacarpal during the match.
Metatarsal
Plays a crucial role in maintaining balance.
Her metatarsal injury affected her balance while walking.
Metacarpal
Each hand has five metacarpal bones corresponding to each finger.
The thumb's metacarpal is shorter and broader than the others.
Metatarsal
A bone in the human foot linking the ankle to the toes.
He suffered a metatarsal fracture during his hike.
Metacarpal
Part of the skeletal system involved in hand articulation.
Arthritis in her metacarpal bones made writing difficult.
Metatarsal
Each foot contains five metatarsal bones, each aligning with a toe.
The second metatarsal is typically the longest.
Metacarpal
Prone to injuries like fractures.
She wrapped her metacarpal with a bandage after the fall.
Metatarsal
Commonly injured by stress fractures among runners.
The marathon runner developed a stress fracture in her metatarsal.
Metacarpal
Essential for tasks requiring fine motor skills.
Playing the piano demands agile metacarpal movements.
Metatarsal
Supports the body's weight during standing and movement.
Proper shoes help in distributing pressure across the metatarsals.
Metacarpal
Relating to the metacarpus.
Metatarsal
Of or relating to the metatarsus.
Metacarpal
Any of the bones of the metacarpus.
Metatarsal
Any of the bones of the metatarsus.
Metacarpal
Of the metacarpus.
Metatarsal
Of the metatarsus.
Metacarpal
Any of the bones of the metacarpus.
Metatarsal
Any of the bones of the metatarsus.
Metacarpal
Of or pertaining to the metacarpus.
Metatarsal
Of or pertaining to the metatarsus.
Metacarpal
Any bone of the hand between the wrist and fingers
Metatarsal
Any bone of the foot between the ankle and the toes
Metacarpal
Of or relating to the metacarpus;
Metacarpal bones
Metatarsal
Of or relating to the metatarsus;
Metatarsal bones
Common Curiosities
What are metacarpals?
Metacarpals are the bones in the hand that connect the wrist to the fingers.
Why are metatarsals important?
Metatarsals help support body weight and are essential for walking and balance.
How many metacarpals and metatarsals are in the human body?
There are five metacarpals in each hand and five metatarsals in each foot.
What common injuries affect metacarpals?
Common metacarpal injuries include fractures from impacts or compression.
How do shoes impact metatarsal health?
Proper footwear can alleviate pressure on the metatarsals and prevent injuries.
What are metatarsals?
Metatarsals are the bones in the foot that connect the ankle to the toes.
Are metacarpals and metatarsals similar in length?
No, metacarpals are generally shorter than metatarsals.
Why are metacarpals important?
Metacarpals are crucial for hand movements and manipulating objects.
Can metacarpals and metatarsals heal after injury?
Yes, with proper medical treatment, both metacarpals and metatarsals can heal after injury.
Are there diseases that specifically affect metacarpals or metatarsals?
Diseases like arthritis can affect both, but the impact and treatment can vary based on the specific location and function of the bones.
What common injuries affect metatarsals?
Metatarsals are often injured through stress fractures resulting from overuse.
How do metatarsals contribute to the foot's functionality?
Metatarsals contribute to weight distribution and balance during movement.
How can one prevent injuries to metacarpals?
Protective gear and careful handling of heavy or risky items can prevent metacarpal injuries.
How do metacarpals contribute to the hand's functionality?
Metacarpals enable various hand functions, including gripping and fine motor skills.
How can one prevent injuries to metatarsals?
Wearing appropriate shoes and avoiding excessive repetitive impact activities can help prevent metatarsal injuries.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
