A phalange (plural: phalanges) is any of the bones that make up the fingers of the hand and the toes of the foot in vertebrates. In humans, there are three phalanges in each finger (proximal, middle, and distal), except for the thumb, which has only two (proximal and distal). Similarly, toes have three phalanges each, except for the big toe, which has two. These bones are small, long, and slender, allowing for a wide range of motion and dexterity in the hands and feet, crucial for gripping, manipulating objects, and locomotion. They are connected by joints allowing for bending and flexing. The phalanges play a vital role in the function and the biomechanics of the limbs. Injuries to phalanges, like fractures, are relatively common.
Phalange meaning with examples
- The doctor examined the x-ray, looking closely at the tiny phalanges of the patient's finger to assess a suspected fracture. The impact from the fall seemed to have caused a small crack near the distal phalange. The patient winced as the doctor gently palpated the area, confirming the tenderness and restricted movement, a characteristic of a phalange injury.
- During a construction site incident, the worker suffered a severe injury, resulting in several fractured phalanges. Emergency responders quickly assessed the extent of the damage to the bones and surrounding tissues. They stabilized the injured limb, focusing on protecting the broken phalanges. The treatment plan involved possible surgery, reflecting the severity of the phalange damage.
- The paleontologist carefully brushed away the sediment, revealing the remarkably preserved phalanges of a prehistoric animal. The size and shape of the phalanges offered vital clues about the creature's size, gait, and its ability to manipulate objects. This discovery gave insight into the evolution of the hand and foot, tracing the development of phalanges.
- An athlete's performance can be significantly affected by an injured phalange, hampering grip strength and fine motor skills. Consider a baseball player with a fractured phalange that impedes their swing and fielding abilities. Or a rock climber whose finger cannot grip the holds correctly. Rehabilitation often includes physical therapy, focusing on restoring range of motion in the phalanges.
- In anatomical illustrations, the detailed depiction of phalanges helps students understand the complex structure of the human hand. Clear labeling of the proximal, middle, and distal phalanges helps identify the arrangement of the bones. Understanding how the muscles and tendons interact with the phalanges is key for grasping the functional anatomy of the human hand.