Which carpal bone is also known as the navicular bone?

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

Answer: (B)

In the hand, the navicular bone refers to the scaphoid. It’s boat-shaped and sits in the proximal row on the thumb side, between the radius and the other carpal bones, contributing to the radiocarpal joint. The term navicular comes from navicula, meaning a small boat, which describes its shape. The other bones listed have different shapes and positions: the lunate is crescent-shaped in the same row, the capitate is the largest bone in the distal row, and the trapezium lies at the base of the thumb. (Note that in the foot there’s a distinct navicular bone, which can add to the confusion.) So the scaphoid is the bone also known as the navicular.