phalanx

phalanx /pha·lanx/ (fa´langks) pl. phalan´ges   [Gr.]

1. any bone of a finger or toe.

2. any one of a set of plates that are disposed in rows and make up the reticular membrane of the organ of Corti.phalan´geal

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pha·lanx (flngks, flngks)

n. pl. pha·lanx·es or pha·lan·ges (f-lnjz, f-)

Any of the long bones of the fingers or toes, numbering 14 for each hand or foot: two for the thumb or big toe, and three each for the other four digits.

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Phalanx

Any of the digital bones of the hand or foot. Humans have three phalanges to each finger and toe with the exception of the thumb and big toe which have only two each.

Mentioned in: Fingertip Injuries, Mallet Finger

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phalanx (phal)

[fā′langks] pl. phalanges [phal ]

Etymology: Gk, line of soldiers

any of the 14 tapering bones composing the fingers of each hand and the toes of each foot. They are arranged in three rows at the distal end of the metacarpus and the metatarsus. The fingers each have three phalanges (proximal, middle, and distal). The thumb has two. Toes 2 through 5 each have three phalanges; the great toe has two (proximal and distal). The phalanges of the foot are smaller and less flexible than those of the hand.

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phalanx

pl. phalanges [Gr.] any of the principal bones of a digit. See also Table 10.

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inherited reduced phalanx

a congenital absence of the first two phalanges on all limbs. The hoof and third phalanx are attached by skin. An inherited defect in cattle.