Phalanges

Definition

Phalanges are the bones that make up the fingers and toes. Each hand and foot contains 14 phalanges, divided into proximal, middle, and distal sections.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. There are 56 phalanges in the human body.
2. The thumb and big toe each have two phalanges while the other fingers and toes have three.
3. Phalanges are classified as long bones.
4. The proximal phalanges are closest to the hand or foot, followed by the middle (except in thumbs/big toes), and distal phalanges at the tips.
5. They play a crucial role in fine motor skills of hands and weight-bearing functions of feet.

Review Questions

• How many phalanges are there in one human hand?
• What is the difference between proximal, middle, and distal phalanges?
• Which digits contain only two phalanges?

Related terms

Metacarpals: The five long bones located between the wrist (carpals) and the fingers (phalanges) in each hand.

Tarsals: The group of seven articulating bones found in each foot between the lower leg bones (tibia/fibula) and metatarsals.

Carpals: The eight small bones that make up the wrist connecting the hand to the forearm.