In tetrapods, the carpals is the sole cluster of the bones in the wrist between the radius and ulna and the metacarpus. The bones of the carpus do not belong to individual fingers (or toes in quadrupeds), whereas those of the metacarpus do. The carpal bones allow the wrist to move and rotate vertically, horizontally and laterally.

In crustaceans, "carpus" is the scientific term for the claws or "pincers" present on some legs.

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