No, the phalanges are not part of the axial skeleton. The phalanges are the bones in the fingers and toes, and they belong to the appendicular skeleton.
The axial skeleton comprises the bones that form the vertical axis of the body, including the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage. In contrast, the appendicular skeleton includes the bones of the limbs and their attachments to the axial skeleton, such as the shoulders and pelvis.
To break it down further, the phalanges are categorized as long bones and are vital for hand and foot function. While they play an essential role in movement and dexterity, they do not contribute to the structural framework of the axial skeleton.