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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 the fingers and thumb.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PHALANX STRUCTURE

Phalanx of the hand showing body, base with articular surface, and head with condyles
Phalanx of the Hand - Sourced from the app 3D OSTEOLOGY

Body

Structure
  • Tapers towards the distal end
  • Dorsal surface: Convex
  • Volar surface: Concave longitudinally, flat side to side
Features
  • Sides marked by rough ridges

Base (Proximal End)

First Row
  • Oval concave articular surface, broader side to side than front to back
Second and Third Rows
  • Two concavities separated by a median ridge
Structure
  • Smaller than the base
  • Terminates in two condyles separated by a shallow groove
Features
  • 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

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

MIDDLE PHALANGES

Location

  • Second row of phalanges (excluding the thumb)

Structure

  • Consists of body, proximal end, and distal end

Features

  • Base: Two concavities separated by a median ridge

DISTAL PHALANGES

Structure

  • Smallest of the phalanges

Features

  • 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

BIBLIOGRAPHY

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

QUICK FACTS: PHALANGES OF THE HAND

Key questions answered about this anatomy topic

Q: How many phalanges are there in total in one hand?

Answer: 14 phalanges. The phalanges of the hand consist of fourteen bones total: three phalanges for each finger (4 fingers × 3 = 12) plus two for the thumb (12 + 2 = 14).

Q: What is the shape of the dorsal surface of the phalanx body?

Answer: Convex. The dorsal surface of the phalanx body is convex, while the volar (palmar) surface is concave longitudinally and flat side to side.

Q: What characterizes the base of phalanges in the second and third rows?

Answer: Two concavities separated by a median ridge. The base of phalanges in the second and third rows features two concavities separated by a median ridge, which articulates with the condyles of the proximal phalanx.

Q: What structure terminates the head (distal end) of a phalanx?

Answer: Two condyles separated by a shallow groove. The head of a phalanx terminates in two condyles separated by a shallow groove, forming a trochlear-like structure for articulation with the next phalanx.

Q: On which side does the articular surface of the head extend farther?

Answer: Volar (palmar) side. The articular surface extends farther on the volar (palmar) side than on the dorsal side, especially in the first row of phalanges.

Want to test yourself? Try the interactive quiz above!

⋮⋮ Phalanges of the Hand Quiz
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