What are "phalanges"?

Phalanges refer specifically to the bones found in the fingers and toes. In the human body, there are 14 phalanges in each hand and foot, with each finger and toe typically made up of three phalanges, except for the thumb and big toe, which each contain two. Understanding the structure of the phalanges is essential in fields like sports medicine, as injuries to these bones are common in various physical activities and can affect dexterity and mobility.

The other options refer to different groups of bones; for example, the bones of the wrist are known as the carpals, while the bones of the foot refer primarily to the tarsals and metatarsals. The main bones in the leg are the femur, tibia, and fibula. Each of these groups of bones serves distinct functions and is classified differently within the skeletal system.