Final answer:
The metacarpals are five long bones that form the palm of the hand. Each metacarpal bone articulates with a carpal bone at the wrist and with a phalanx bone at the base of the thumb or fingers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The metacarpals, also known as the palm bones, are five long bones that form the palm of the hand. Each metacarpal bone articulates with a carpal bone at the wrist and with a phalanx bone at the base of the thumb or fingers. The metacarpal bones are numbered 1-5, starting with the thumb side.