Where the distal phalanx of big toe sits in the skeleton
The distal phalanx of the big toe is the tip segment, which supports the toenail. The big toe has two phalanges (proximal and distal); the other toes have three. The tendon of the flexor hallucis longus attaches to the sole side of its base, and its tip widens into a flat, rough end that supports the pad of the toe tip.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of the skeleton is the distal phalanx of the big toe in?
The distal phalanx of the big toe is one of the bones of the foot. The foot is made of seven tarsal bones, five metatarsals, fourteen phalanges and the sesamoid bones.
How many bones are in the foot?
Each foot has 26 bones: seven tarsal bones, five metatarsals and fourteen phalanges in the toes, plus small sesamoid bones.
Is there one distal phalanx of the big toe or a pair?
The distal phalanx of the big toe is paired: there is one on the left and one on the right, and this page covers both.
Which joint does the distal phalanx of the big toe form?
Only one, at its base: the interphalangeal joint with the proximal phalanx. Its far end has no joint and ends at the toe tip.
Other bones of the foot
- Talus
- Calcaneus
- Navicular bone of foot
- Cuboid bone
- Medial cuneiform bone
- Intermediate cuneiform bone
- Lateral cuneiform bone
- Sesamoid bone of foot
- First metatarsal bone
- Second metatarsal bone
- Third metatarsal bone
- Fourth metatarsal bone
- Fifth metatarsal bone
- Proximal phalanx of big toe
- Proximal phalanx of second toe
- Middle phalanx of second toe
- Distal phalanx of second toe
- Proximal phalanx of third toe
- Middle phalanx of third toe
- Distal phalanx of third toe
- Proximal phalanx of fourth toe
- Middle phalanx of fourth toe
- Distal phalanx of fourth toe
- Proximal phalanx of little toe
- Middle phalanx of little toe
- Distal phalanx of little toe
Bone counts
By region
Read more
Related reading
- Sarcopenia: what to measure, and what to do, when muscle and strength decline
- What getting up from a chair says about how your body is ageing
- Why ageing bone marrow turns to fat, and a PEMF study in mice
- PEMF and whole-body vibration: two rhythms that reach the body
- Myokines: the signals working muscle sends to the body
- Ageing parents: the changes families notice first
Once the 3D model loads you can turn it and select each part.