Phalanx

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A single bone of a finger or toe. The plural of phalanx is phalanges. Humans have two phalanges in each thumb and big toe; the remaining fingers and toes all have three phalanges. The synovial joints between phalanges are the knuckles. The phalanges are named according to their digit and position: proximal (closest to the body), middle, and distal (closest to the finger- or toetip).

Phalanx bones are named after the military phalanx, which is a tight formation of infantry in regular rows and files.