Where the distal phalanx of thumb sits in the skeleton
The distal phalanx of the thumb is the fingertip segment, which supports the nail. The thumb has two phalanges (proximal and distal); the other fingers have three. The tendon of the flexor pollicis longus attaches to the palm side of its base, and its tip widens into a flat, rough end that supports the pad of the fingertip.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of the skeleton is the distal phalanx of the thumb in?
The distal phalanx of the thumb is one of the bones of the hand. The hand is made of eight carpal bones, five metacarpals and fourteen phalanges.
How many bones are in the hand?
Each hand has 27 bones: eight carpal bones in the wrist, five metacarpals in the palm and fourteen phalanges in the fingers.
Is there one distal phalanx of the thumb or a pair?
The distal phalanx of the thumb 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 thumb form?
Only one, at its base: the interphalangeal joint with the proximal phalanx. Its far end has no joint and ends at the fingertip.
Other bones of the hand
- Scaphoid
- Lunate
- Triquetral
- Pisiform
- Trapezium
- Trapezoid
- Capitate
- Hamate
- First metacarpal bone
- Second metacarpal bone
- Third metacarpal bone
- Fourth metacarpal bone
- Fifth metacarpal bone
- Proximal phalanx of thumb
- Proximal phalanx of index finger
- Middle phalanx of index finger
- Distal phalanx of index finger
- Proximal phalanx of middle finger
- Middle phalanx of middle finger
- Distal phalanx of middle finger
- Proximal phalanx of ring finger
- Middle phalanx of ring finger
- Distal phalanx of ring finger
- Proximal phalanx of little finger
- Middle phalanx of little finger
- Distal phalanx of little finger
Bone counts
By region
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