Which bone is located in the hand and is also called navicular?

• A. Lunate
• B. Scaphoid
• C. Trapezium
• D. Capitate

Answer: (B)

Navicular is another name for the scaphoid bone in the wrist. The scaphoid sits on the thumb side of the proximal carpal row and has a boat-like shape, which is why it’s described as navicular (navicular = boat-shaped). Among the carpal bones, the one commonly called navicular is the scaphoid, making it the correct choice for a bone located in the hand that’s also named navicular.

For context, knowing this helps when reading imaging or notes, since the scaphoid is a key stabilizer between the radius and the other carpal bones and is especially prone to fractures after a fall on an outstretched hand. The other options refer to different carpal bones—a moon-shaped lunate, a trapezium at the base of the thumb, and the central-capitated bone—none of which are called navicular.