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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.
Metacarpal vs. Metatarsal — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Metacarpal and Metatarsal

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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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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba 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 Arif
Urooj 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.

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