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3D OSTEOLOGY
3D UPPER LIMB

PHALANGES OF THE HAND ANATOMY

Author: Dr. Bogdan Leahu
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Phalanges of the hand anatomy 360-degree interactive viewer showing all fourteen finger bones with body, base, and head structures
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The phalanges of the hand consist of a total of fourteen bones, arranged with three phalanges for each finger and two for the thumb. Each phalanx features a distinct structure, comprising a body, a base at the proximal end, and a head at the distal end. These bones are essential for the dexterity and flexibility of your fingers and thumb.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PHALANX STRUCTURE

Phalanx of the hand showing body, base with articular surface, and head with condyles
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Body

What is the structure of the phalanx body?

  • Tapers towards the distal end
  • Dorsal surface: Convex
  • Volar surface: Concave longitudinally, flat side to side

What are the surface features of the phalanx body?

  • Sides marked by rough ridges

Base (Proximal End)

What is the base of first row phalanges?

  • Oval concave articular surface, broader side to side than front to back

What is the base of second and third row phalanges?

  • Two concavities separated by a median ridge

What is the structure of the phalanx head?

  • Smaller than the base
  • Terminates in two condyles separated by a shallow groove

What are the features of the phalanx head?

  • Articular surface extends farther on the volar side than on the dorsal side, especially in the first row

PROXIMAL PHALANGES

Proximal phalanx 360-degree viewer showing body, proximal end with oval concave articular surface, and distal head
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Structure

What is the structure of the proximal phalanges?

  • Consists of body and two ends
  • Proximal end: Oval concave articular surface

MIDDLE PHALANGES

Location

Where are the middle phalanges located?

  • Second row of phalanges (excluding the thumb)

Structure

What is the structure of the middle phalanges?

  • Consists of body, proximal end, and distal end

Features

What are the features of the middle phalanges?

  • Base: Two concavities separated by a median ridge

DISTAL PHALANGES

Structure

What is the structure of the distal phalanges?

  • Smallest of the phalanges

Features

What are the features of the distal phalanges?

  • Distal ends have a rough elevated surface with two concavities separated by a median ridge
  • Tuberosity of the distal phalanx: Horseshoe-shaped elevated area on the volar surface of your fingertip

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Henry G, Warren HL. Osteology. In: Anatomy of the Human Body. 20th ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 1918. p. 129–97.