The bones of the fingers and toes, arranged in three segments per digit except the thumb and great toe.
Structure
Each hand has 14 phalanges: a proximal, middle, and distal phalanx in fingers two through five, and only a proximal and distal phalanx in the thumb. The foot follows the same pattern.
Joints
Interphalangeal joints are hinge joints between phalanges, allowing flexion and extension. Metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints permit a greater range of motion at the base of the digits.
Function
The distal phalanges of the fingers support the nails and the highly innervated fingertip pads used for fine touch. The phalanges of the toes contribute to balance and forward push during walking.
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