Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
phalanges
noun
/fəˈlændʒiz/
Definition
The bones in the fingers and toes of the human body.
Examples
- The phalanges of the hand allow for intricate movements and dexterity.
- Injuries to the phalanges can be quite painful and may affect the ability to grip objects.
- During a physical examination, the doctor checked the phalanges for signs of swelling or deformity.
Meaning
Phalanges refer specifically to the individual bones that make up the digits (fingers and toes). Each finger has three phalanges—proximal, middle, and distal—while the thumb has two. The toes also have similar structures, with each toe typically containing three phalanges, except for the big toe, which has two.
Synonyms
- digits
- finger bones
- toe bones
