Phalanges are the bones that form the skeletal structure of your digits. These long, slender bones provide the framework for grasping and locomotion. They are present in both the upper and lower limbs, contributing to a wide range of everyday activities. They enable intricate movements and support the body.
The Everyday Names for Phalanges
While “phalanges” is the precise anatomical term, most people refer to these bones by their common names: “fingers” and “toes.” In medical and scientific contexts, the term “phalanges” is used to ensure accuracy and universality, allowing healthcare professionals and researchers to communicate without ambiguity. Everyday language, however, uses the more familiar terms that have been integrated into general vocabulary.
Where Phalanges Are Found
Phalanges are located in your hands and feet. Each hand contains 14 phalanges, and each foot also contains 14 phalanges, resulting in a total of 56 phalanges in the human body. Specifically, each of your four fingers (index, middle, ring, and little) has three phalanges, while your thumb has two. Similarly, each of your four smaller toes has three phalanges, and your big toe has two.
These bones are categorized by their position: proximal, middle (or intermediate), and distal. The proximal phalanges are closest to the palm or sole, articulating with the metacarpal bones in the hand or metatarsal bones in the foot. The middle phalanges are situated between the proximal and distal phalanges, and are absent in the thumb and big toe. The distal phalanges are the outermost bones, forming the tips of your fingers and toes.
How Phalanges Help Us Move
The phalanges are central to the dexterity of the hands. In the hands, their articulated structure allows for complex movements like grasping, pinching, and manipulating objects with precision. Their ability to flex and extend, aided by muscles and tendons, enables fine motor skills for tasks such as writing or using tools.
In the feet, phalanges play a significant role in balance, propulsion, and weight distribution. They help maintain stability when standing and contribute to the pushing-off motion required for walking, running, and jumping. The arrangement and flexibility of the toe phalanges assist in adapting to uneven surfaces and providing a solid base of support for the body.