Metacarpal 3 (left) — third metacarpal (middle finger)

Function

Central rigid ray fixed to the capitate; its dorsal styloid process is a surgical landmark for percutaneous pin placement.

Landmarks

• Base
• Shaft
• Head (knuckle)
• Styloid process

Articulations (joints)

• Capitate
• Adjacent metacarpals (interosseous ligaments)
• Proximal phalanx of the middle (metacarpophalangeal joint)

Clinical relevance

Carpometacarpal dislocation of the third ray masquerades as a simple sprain after punching injuries.