Phalanx

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Phalanx (Medicine)

Phalanx (pronounced: /ˈfælæŋks/) is a term used in anatomy to describe the bones in the fingers and toes of humans and other vertebrates. Each finger and toe, except the thumb and large toe in humans, has three phalanges, while the thumb and large toe have only two.

Etymology

The term "phalanx" is derived from the Ancient Greek word phalanx (φάλαγξ), which means "log" or "line of battle". This is in reference to the way the bones line up in the fingers and toes, similar to soldiers in a phalanx formation.

Related Terms

  • Distal phalanges: These are the bones at the tips of the fingers or toes.
  • Middle phalanges: These are the bones in the middle of the fingers or toes, between the distal and proximal phalanges.
  • Proximal phalanges: These are the bones closest to the hand or foot, connecting the fingers or toes to the rest of the body.
  • Metacarpals: These are the bones in the hand that connect the phalanges to the wrist.
  • Metatarsals: These are the bones in the foot that connect the phalanges to the ankle.

See Also

External links

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