Which of the following is NOT a major bone group of the wrist and hand?

• A. Carpals
• B. Metacarpals
• C. Phalanges
• D. Tarsals

Answer: (D)

The key idea is recognizing which bones form the wrist and hand. The wrist is made up of the carpal bones, the palm by the metacarpal bones, and the fingers by the phalanges. The tarsals, on the other hand, are the bones of the ankle/foot, not part of the wrist or hand. So the option that isn’t a major bone group of the wrist and hand is the tarsals. The other groups—carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges—are the standard bone groups that make up the wrist and hand.