- Phalanx bones
The name Phalanx (plural phalanges) is commonly given to the
bone s that formfinger s andtoe s. Inprimate s such ashuman s andmonkeys , thethumb andbig toe have two phalanges, while the other fingers and toes consist of three. Phalanges are classified aslong bone s.The phalanges do not really have individual names but are named after the digit, and their distance from the body.
*Distal phalanges are at the tips of the fingers and toes.
*Proximal phalanges are closest to thehand (orfoot ) and articulate with themetacarpal s of the hand, ormetatarsal s of the foot.
* "Middle" orIntermediate phalanges are between the distal and proximal. The thumb and big toe do not have middle phalanges.The term phalanx or phalanges refers to an ancient Greek army formation in which soldiers stand side by side, several rows deep, like an arrangement of fingers or toes.
The number of phalanges in animals is often expressed as a phalangeal formula, that indicates the numbers of phalanges in digits (beginning from medial), e.g. human has the formula 2-3-3-3-3, a
deer has the formula 3-3 and mostlizard s have the formula 2-3-4-5-4.
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References
* [http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4866 MedTerms.com Medical Dictionary]
ee also
*
Phalanges of the foot
*Phalanges of the hand
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