The bones of the fingers (and toes) are known as |phalanges| (singular : phalanx). Each finger has three |phalanges|, with the exception of the thumb, which has only two. The |phalanges| are referred to by their position with respect to the body when the hand is extended. The joints at the ends of the fingers, because they are the most distant from the body, are the |distal phalanges|. The next are the |middle phalanges| (which the thumb does not have). Those articulating with the |metacarpals| of the hand are the |proximal phalanges|. The ends of each phalanx are somewhat bulbous at the site of articulation with other bones. These prominences also serve as sites of attachment for phalangeal ~ligaments~.
