The Probert Encyclopaedia of Medicine

PHALANGES

The bones of the fingers and toes are known as phalanges. Each finger has three phalanges, with the exception of the thumb, which has only two. The phalanges are referred to by their position with respect to the body when the hand is extended. The bones at the ends of the fingers, because they are the most distant from the body, are the distal phalanges. The next are the middle phalanges (which the thumb does not have). Those articulating with the metacarpals of the hand are the proximal phalanges. The ends of each phalanx are somewhat bulbous at the site of articulation with other bones. These prominences also serve as sites of attachment for phalangeal ligaments.
Research Phalanges