Phalanges and Upper Limb Anatomy

Anatomy of Phalanges

• Phalanges: Bones of digits (fingers and toes).
• Each digit named similarly based on its hand/foot location.
• Terminology:
  • Singular: Phalanx
  • Plural: Phalanges

Structure of Digits

• Thumb (1st digit):
  • Contains 2 phalanges (proximal & distal).
• Fingers (2nd-5th digits):
  • Each contains 3 phalanges (proximal, middle, distal).

Naming Conventions

• Proximal, Middle, Distal:
  • Digits are named based on their position:
  • Proximal phalanx of 1st digit
  • Middle phalanx of 2nd digit
  • Distal phalanx of 3rd digit
• Thumb has no middle phalanx.

Reference for Quizzes and Study Materials

• Lab Quiz:
  • Focus on facial and cranial bone markings, vertebrae, and upper limb bones (excluding upper limb markings).
• Study Materials Provided:
  • Worksheets for practice and review on upper limb structures and articulations.
• Important pages for reference: 197-209 from the textbook.

Study Recommendations

• Spend time identifying individual bones and their articulations.
• All bones in the upper limb (radius, ulna, carpals, metacarpals, phalanges) included in quizzes.

Additional Notes

• Understand that the thumb is the 1st digit and all digits are numbered accordingly (1-5).
• Encourage practice with practicals and hands-on learning using skeleton models for better understanding of anatomy.