The phalanges are classified as long bones. They are the bones that make up the fingers and toes in humans, and each phalanx (singular of phalanges) consists of three sections, except for the thumb and big toe, which only have two.
Long bones are characterized by their length being greater than their width, and they typically have a shaft (diaphysis) and two ends (epiphyses). The structure of long bones includes a central medullary cavity, which contains bone marrow, surrounded by a thick layer of compact bone and an outer layer of connective tissue.
In the case of the phalanges, their long bone structure allows for a range of movements in the fingers and toes, which are essential for grasping, pointing, and maintaining balance. Understanding the type and structure of these bones is crucial for studying human anatomy and movement.