fingerbenen

Fingerbenen (finger bones) are the phalanges that constitute the bones of the fingers in the hand. Each hand contains 14 phalanges: four fingers have three phalanges each (proximal, middle, and distal), while the thumb has two (proximal and distal).

The phalanges are organized along each finger from base to tip. The proximal phalanx meets the metacarpal bone at the metacarpophalangeal joint (the knuckle). The adjacent phalanges articulate with each other at the interphalangeal joints, specifically the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints in the four fingers. The thumb has one interphalangeal joint between its two phalanges. The base of the proximal phalanx forms the articulation with the corresponding metacarpal, allowing flexion and extension of the finger.

Phalanges are long, slender bones with a shaft and a rounded head at the fingertip; the distal phalanx often bears the nail bed and contributes to fingertip sensitivity and grip.

During development, each phalanx ossifies from one or more centers and typically remains unfused until late adolescence. Variations include congenital anomalies such as brachydactyly (short fingers) or polydactyly (extra digits). Finger injuries frequently involve the distal phalanges, including fractures or avulsions, which can affect fingernail growth and fingertip function.