The manual phalanges occur in three rows: proximal, intermediate, and distal. The first digit (the thumb) lacks an intermediate phalanx. Each of the types of phalanges are easy to distinguish from the other types. The phalanges of the thumb are easy to identify due to their short and robust nature. However, identification of the other digits’ phalanges to ray and side is extremely difficult. The dorsal aspect of the manual phalanges is rounded, while the palmar aspect is flatter and rougher.
More specimens from the wrist, hand, and fingers, see the carpals or metacarpals.
Each proximal phalanx bears a single concave articular surface at its proximal end for the corresponding metacarpal head. The distal end has a double convex articular surface for the corresponding intermediate phalanx.
Each proximal phalanx bears a single concave articular surface at its proximal end for the corresponding metacarpal head. The distal end has a double convex articular surface for the corresponding intermediate phalanx.
Intermediate phalanges have a double concave articular facet for the distal end of the corresponding proximal phalanx. The distal end has a convex articular facet for the distal phalanges. The thumb has no intermediate phalanx.
The distal phalanges have a single articular surface at the proximal end for the corresponding intermediate phalanx. Distal phalanges are flattened in the palmar-dorsal direction. The distal end of the distal phalanges bears a non-articular flattened head.
©eForensics 2023