What are the phalanges of the hands?

The phalanges (single: phalanx) of the hands are the tubular bones of the fingers and thumb. The second to fifth fingers each contain a proximal, middle and distal phalanx whereas the thumb only contains a proximal and distal phalanx. Article: Gross anatomy.

What are the centers of ossification in the hand phalanges?

Hand phalanges have two centers of ossification; one is for the body and one for proximal part of the bone. Ossification process begins in the body, around the eighth week of fetal life. Ossification in the proximal part starts between the third and fourth years in proximal phalanges, and a year later in those of intermediate and distal ones.

What is the difference between proximal and intermediate phalanges?

The base of proximal phalange is a concave articular surface that create the metacarpophalangeal joint with the distal part of the metacarpal bone. Head of proximal phalanges has a cylinder-shaped articular surface. In the base of intermediate phalange, there is articular surface divided with one median ridge into two concave parts.

Why is the arrangement of the distal phalanges important?

Anatomical arrangement of distal phalanges is necessary for placing the thumb pulp facing the pulps of other fingers which enables maximum contact surface with the object that is held. Distal phalanges of both hands and feet carry and shape nails and finger pads.

What is the middle phalanx of the thumb?

Middle Phalanges: Located in the middle, between the proximal phalanges and distal phalanges. The middle phalanx is not present in the human thumb, which only has a proximal and a distal phalanx [7]. Distal Phalanges: The most terminal of all the phalanges, located at the end of the digits in hand [8].

What happens if your phalanges are injured?

The phalanges also create insertion points for various muscles that help with the flexion of the fingers and hand [15, 16]. Fracture and dislocation: These are the most common forms of injury to the phalanges, occurring due to direct stress or a blow to the hand, often during an accident or because of overuse.

What is the phalanx of the second to fifth finger?

The second to fifth fingers each contain a proximal, middle and distal phalanx whereas the thumb only contains a proximal and distal phalanx. The middle and proximal phalanges each have a base proximally, head distally, and body in between. The bases are concave in order to articulate with the convex head of the more proximal metacarpal or phalanx.