In a radiograph of the wrist of a 3-month-old infant, which carpal bone is expected to be the first to show ossification?
- A Hamate
- B Capitate ✓
- C Lunate
- D Scaphoid
Correct answer: B. Capitate
Explanation
The capitate is the first carpal bone to ossify, its centre appearing within the first two to three months after birth, closely followed by the hamate. The hamate then follows within weeks, so a single visible carpal centre in early infancy is the capitate. The scaphoid appears much later at four to six years and the lunate at three to five years, making them incorrect here.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.