Where the proximal phalanx of thumb sits in the skeleton

Frequently asked questions

Which part of the skeleton is the proximal phalanx of the thumb in?

The proximal 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 proximal phalanx of the thumb or a pair?

The proximal phalanx of the thumb is paired: there is one on the left and one on the right, and this page covers both.

Which joints does the proximal phalanx of the thumb form?

Two: the metacarpophalangeal joint with the first metacarpal, and the interphalangeal joint with the distal phalanx. The thumb has only two phalanges, so it has only one interphalangeal joint.