Phalanx

The phalanges are the bones of the hand and feet.

Location of the phalanges

The phalanges are found in the fingers and toes. In each case there are three phalanges per finger or toe except in the thumb or big toe (hallux), which have only two.

Structure of phalanges

The three (or two) phalanges in each finger follow on from each other as follows:

• the one closest to the metacarpus is the proximal phalanx (P1);
• followed by the intermediary phalanx (P2);
• and then the distal phalanx at the end of the finger or toe (P3).

They are long bones with two epiphyses and one concave diaphysis.

Function of the phalanges

The phalanges and the interphalangeal joints provide the fingers with particular agility.