There are eight carpals in the human anatomy. Only one is evident, the pisiform bone, which projects posteriorly on the little finger side of the hand. For most people, it appears to be a small rounded elevation just above the styloid process of the ulna (that goofy wrist bump).

Ligaments bind the carpals closely and firmly together in two rows of four each -- proximal row, from little finger to thumb: pisiform, triquereum, lunate, and scaphoid bones. In the distal row: hamate, capitate, trapezoid, and trapezium bones.

The joints between the carpals and radius permit wrist and hand movements.