Life Science Encyclopedia

Distal phalanges (single distal phalanx) are bones found in the limbs of most vertebrate skeletons. In humans, they are the finger bones located furthest from the shoulder joint, and the toe bones located furthest from the hip. They have a corresponding location in the limbs of most other vertebrates, including the fins of whales and the wings of birds. They are also usually conical.

Very often, distal phalanges are tipped with claws. In primates, they are covered by a protective nail. Animals which walk digitigrade (such as dogs) tread upon them, and humans commonly use them to push buttons, pinch, and hold small objects.

See also

• Bone terminology
• Terms for anatomical location
• Distal interphalangeal joint (DIP joint)