Which bone forms the floor of the anatomical snuffbox?

Which bone forms the floor of the anatomical snuffbox?

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

Answer: (A)

The snuffbox is a small hollow on the dorsum of the hand at the base of the thumb, bounded by the tendons of the thumb extensors. The floor of this hollow is formed by the carpal bones underneath, primarily the scaphoid, with the trapezium contributing at the lateral edge. This is why tenderness in this area points to a scaphoid injury, since the bone directly beneath the snuffbox forms its base. The other bones listed don’t form the floor in the same way, and while the trapezium helps at the edge, the scaphoid is the main bone associated with the floor.

The snuffbox is a small hollow on the dorsum of the hand at the base of the thumb, bounded by the tendons of the thumb extensors. The floor of this hollow is formed by the carpal bones underneath, primarily the scaphoid, with the trapezium contributing at the lateral edge. This is why tenderness in this area points to a scaphoid injury, since the bone directly beneath the snuffbox forms its base. The other bones listed don’t form the floor in the same way, and while the trapezium helps at the edge, the scaphoid is the main bone associated with the floor.