Tarsal Bones
The tarsal bones are a group of bones that are found in each foot in higher complex organisms. In humans, the group consists of seven bones, namely cuboid, medial cuneiform, intermediate cuneiform, lateral cuneiform, navicular, talus and calcaneus. The seven bones are arranged in two rows as midfoot and hindfoot.
The toes have a different set of bones called metatarsals. The calcaneus bone is the largest bone in the group, and is located in the heel of the foot for weight bearing. The number and structure of bones is different in different vertebrates.
Carpal Bones
The carpal bones are a group of eight small bones that make up the wrist in higher vertebrates. It helps in connecting the hand to the forearm. The bones facilitate easy movement and flexibility in the arm.
The eight bones are scaphoid, trapezium, trapezoid, lunate, capitate, pisiform, triquetrum and hamate. These eight bones are arranged in three columns.
Tarsal vs Carpal Bones
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Tarsal Bones |
Carpal Bones |
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Description |
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A group of bones that are present in the foot of higher vertebrates are referred to as tarsal bones. |
A group of bones that form the wrist in higher vertebrates are referred to as carpal bones. |
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Number of Bones |
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Seven |
Eight |
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Bones |
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Cuboid, medial cuneiform, intermediate cuneiform, lateral cuneiform, navicular, talus and calcaneus. |
Scaphoid, trapezium, trapezoid, lunate, capitate, pisiform, triquetrum and hamate |
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Organisation |
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The bones are organised in three rows. |
The bones are organised in two rows or three columns. |
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Importance |
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All the bones are important, but the calcaneus bone is the weight bearing bone present in the heel of the foot. |
The bones in the wrist facilitate easy movement and provide flexibility to the arm. |
Explore BYJU’S Biology for more related topics.
Also Read:
- What Is The Classification Of Bones?
- An Overview, Types, Structure and Functions Of Muscles
- What is a Nucleus?- Structure and Function of Nucleus
Frequently Asked Questions on Difference between Tarsal and Carpal Bones
Why are there more carpal bones than tarsal?
The carpal bones are more in number so that they can provide mobility and flexibility to the arm.
What are carpal and tarsal joints?
The joints between the carpal and tarsal bones are the gliding joints that allow easy movement around the bones.
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