Which ligament lies on the palm side between the radius and carpal bones?

• A. Palmar radiocarpal ligament
• B. Dorsal radiocarpal ligament
• C. Ulnar collateral ligament
• D. Radial collateral ligament

Answer: (A)

The wrist has strong ligaments on both the palm (palmar) and back (dorsal) sides that stabilize the radiocarpal joint. On the palm side, the ligaments connecting the radius to the carpal bones are the palmar radiocarpal ligaments. They form a thick set of bands that anchor the distal radius to the proximal carpal row (such as the scaphoid, lunate, and capitate) and help stabilize the joint while limiting excessive extension. The dorsal radiocarpal ligaments are on the opposite, back side of the wrist, and the collateral ligaments (ulnar and radial) run along the sides between the radius/ulna and the carpal bones rather than directly between radius and carpal bones on the palm.