The pedal phalanges share their basic morphology with the manual phalanges. They occur in three rows (proximal, intermediate, and distal). The big toe lacks an intermediate phalanx, and the phalanges of the big toe are much more robust than those of the other digits. Pedal phalanges are distinct because they are shorter than the corresponding manual phalanges, and are less compressed in the dorsal-plantar direction. Like manual phalanges, pedal phalanges are extremely difficult to assign to ray and side.
Return to the tarsus or metatarsals to see more information about the ankle, foot, and toes.
The proximal phalanges bear a concave articular surface on the proximal end for their metatarsal articulations. The distal end has a convex, almost spool-shaped head. The dorsal surface is smooth and featureless, while the plantar surface is marked by tubercles on the distal end and sometimes noticeable longitudinal ridges.
Intermediate phalanges are shorter than proximal phalanges. The shafts of the intermediate phalanges are less tapered than those of the proximal phalanges (i.e. the shaft and head are nearly the same diameter). The distal end bears a saddle-like articulation for the proximal phalanges, while the distal end bears a convex head. The first ray lacks an intermediate phalanx.
The distal pedal phalanges are extremely short. They bear concave articular surfaces on their proximal surfaces. Distally, their flattened heads do not have an articular surface.
Proximal Phalanx 1 is show in the 3D image.
©eForensics 2025