Phalanx bones
Phalanx Bones
The Phalanx Bones (pronounced: /ˈfælæŋks/), also known as Phalanges (pronounced: /fəˈlændʒiːz/), are the bones that make up the fingers of the hand and the toes of the foot. There are 56 phalanges in the human body, with fourteen on each hand and foot.
Etymology
The term "Phalanx" is derived from the Greek word 'phalanx' which means 'log'. The Greeks used the term to describe the arrangement of soldiers in a rectangular formation, a formation that is similar to the arrangement of the phalanges in the hand and foot.
Structure
Each finger and toe, except the thumb and big toe, have three phalanges: the proximal, middle, and distal phalanges. The thumb and big toe only have a proximal and distal phalanx.
The proximal phalanges are the phalanges closest to the hand or foot. The middle phalanges are the phalanges in the middle of each finger and toe, and the distal phalanges are the phalanges at the end of each finger and toe.
Function
The phalanx bones play a crucial role in the dexterity and functionality of the hands and feet. They allow for a wide range of motion and enable tasks such as gripping and walking.
Related Terms
- Metacarpal bones: The five bones in the hand that connect the wrist to the fingers.
- Metatarsal bones: The five bones in the foot that connect the ankle to the toes.
- Carpal bones: The eight bones that make up the wrist.
- Tarsal bones: The seven bones that make up the ankle.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Phalanx bones
- Wikipedia's article - Phalanx bones
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