The bones of the fingers and toes are known as what?

The bones of the fingers and toes are known as what?

• A. Metacarpals
• B. Carpals
• C. Phalanges
• D. Tarsals

Answer: (C)

The bones of the fingers and toes are referred to as phalanges. This term specifically identifies the individual bones that make up the digits, which include both the fingers and the toes. In the hands, each finger has three phalanges (proximal, middle, and distal), while the thumb has two (proximal and distal). Similarly, in the feet, each toe has three phalanges except for the big toe, which also has two. Metacarpals are the long bones located in the middle of the hand, connecting the phalanges to the wrist bones. Carpals are the eight bones that make up the wrist itself. Tarsals, on the other hand, are the bones that form the ankle and part of the foot, similar to how carpals relate to the hand. Understanding these terms helps clarify the anatomy of the skeletal system in relation to both the hands and feet.

The bones of the fingers and toes are referred to as phalanges. This term specifically identifies the individual bones that make up the digits, which include both the fingers and the toes. In the hands, each finger has three phalanges (proximal, middle, and distal), while the thumb has two (proximal and distal). Similarly, in the feet, each toe has three phalanges except for the big toe, which also has two.

Metacarpals are the long bones located in the middle of the hand, connecting the phalanges to the wrist bones. Carpals are the eight bones that make up the wrist itself. Tarsals, on the other hand, are the bones that form the ankle and part of the foot, similar to how carpals relate to the hand. Understanding these terms helps clarify the anatomy of the skeletal system in relation to both the hands and feet.