Which of the following bones is NOT a carpal bone?

The correct choice identifies the fibula as the bone that is not classified as a carpal bone. Carpal bones are the eight small bones that make up the wrist and are categorized into two rows: the proximal row (scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, pisiform) and the distal row (trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, hamate). The trapezium, capitate, and lunate are all examples of carpal bones that play an essential role in wrist movement and stability.

In contrast, the fibula is one of the two long bones in the lower leg, the other being the tibia. While it does contribute to the formation of the ankle joint and provides support and stability for the lower leg, it is not part of the carpal bone structure. Understanding the different roles and locations of these bones is crucial for identifying them correctly in an anatomical context, especially in the field of orthopedics.