Carpometacarpi

/kɑrpoʊmɛtəˈkɑrpaɪ/ noun

Definition

Plural of carpometacarpus; the fused wrist and hand bones found in birds that allow for precise wing control.

Etymology

From carpus (wrist), metacarpus (hand), and Latin plural -i. This anatomical term is specific to avian anatomy, where these bones are fused into one structure.

Kelly Says

In bird wings, the carpometacarpi are like a Swiss Army knife—fused together to make the wing incredibly strong yet flexible for all types of flying maneuvers!

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