Middle phalanges
Middle Phalanges
The Middle Phalanges (pronounced: fa-lan-geez) are the bones in the fingers and toes of humans and other primates. They are located between the proximal phalanges and the distal phalanges.
Etymology
The term "phalanges" is derived from the Greek word "phalanx" which means "line of soldiers". This is a reference to the way these bones are lined up in the fingers and toes.
Anatomy
Each finger and toe, with the exception of the thumb and big toe, has three phalanges: the proximal, middle, and distal. The middle phalanges are the intermediate bones of the digits. They are smaller than the proximal phalanges but larger than the distal phalanges.
The middle phalanges have a base that articulates with the head of the proximal phalanx, a shaft (body), and a head that articulates with the base of the distal phalanx. The base and head of the middle phalanges have articular surfaces for the formation of the interphalangeal joints.
Related Terms
- Proximal phalanges: The bones in the fingers and toes that are closest to the hand or foot.
- Distal phalanges: The bones at the tip of the fingers and toes.
- Interphalangeal joints: The joints between the phalanges of the fingers or toes.
- 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.
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