Phalanges of the Foot

Joe Muscolino

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    • There are two phalanges in the big toe, named proximal and distal phalanges.
    • There are three phalanges in each of the other toes, named proximal, middle, and distal phalanges.
    • The phalanges of a toe along with the associated metatarsal is called a ray
    • The phalanges articulate with:
      • the metatarsals proximally, forming the metatarsophalangeal joints.
      • each other, forming the interphalangeal joints.

     

    NOTES:

    1. The word phalanges is plural. Singular for phalanges is phalanx (there is no word phalange).
    2. Each phalanx is a long bone, therefore it has expanded ends. The proximal expanded end is called the base; the distal expanded end is called the head.
    3. Because there are only two phalanges in the big toe, the big toe has one interphalangeal joint.
    4. Because the other toes have three phalanges each, each toe has two interphalangeal joints, each toe having a proximal interphalangeal joint and a distal interphalangeal joint.
    Dorsal view of the bones of the foot on the right side of the body.

    Dorsal view of the bones of the foot on the right side of the body.

     

    Plantar view of the bones of the foot on the right side of the body.

    Plantar view of the bones of the foot on the right side of the body.

     

    Medial view of the bones of the foot on the right side of the body.

    Medial view of the bones of the foot on the right side of the body.

     

    Lateral view of the bones of the foot on the right side of the body.

    Lateral view of the bones of the foot on the right side of the body.