How many carpals and metacarpals are there in the hand respectively?

The human hand consists of a total of 8 carpals and 5 metacarpals. The carpals are the eight small bones that make up the wrist, providing flexibility and support for the hand's movements. They are arranged in two rows: the proximal row (which includes the scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, and pisiform) and the distal row (which includes the trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, and hamate).

Following the carpals, there are 5 metacarpals that form the framework of the hand, connecting the carpals to the phalanges (the bones of the fingers). Each metacarpal represents one digit and is crucial for the hand's ability to grasp and manipulate objects.

This anatomical structure is consistent across most individuals, making the first choice the correct one. The other options do not reflect the accurate number of bones present in these groups in the hand anatomy, which is why they do not align with established anatomical knowledge.