How many bones are there in the hands and wrist?

The human hand and wrist consist of a total of 27 bones. This includes the eight carpal bones in the wrist, five metacarpal bones in the palm, and 14 phalanges which are the bones of the fingers and thumb. Each finger has three phalanges, except for the thumb, which has two. Understanding this structure is essential for nail technicians because knowledge of hand anatomy helps in performing services safely and effectively while also being mindful of the intricate relationships between the bones and soft tissues in the hand. This knowledge forms a foundation for recognizing how to care for clients' hands and identifying any issues that may arise during nail services.