Phalanges of the foot

Bone: Phalanges of the foot
Plan of ossification of the foot.
Bones of the left foot. Plantar surface.
Latin	ossa digitorum pedis, phalanges digitorum pedis
Gray's	subject #65 275

The phalanges of the foot correspond, in number and general arrangement, with those of the hand; there are two in the big toe, and three in each of the other toes. They differ from them, however, in their size, the bodies being much reduced in length, and, especially in the first row, laterally compressed.

• First row: The body of each is compressed from side to side, convex above, concave below. The base is concave; and the head presents a trochlear surface for articulation with the second phalanx.
• Second row: The phalanges of the second row are remarkably small and short, but rather broader than those of the first row.

The ungual phalanges, in form, resemble those of the fingers; but they are smaller and are flattened from above downward; each presents a broad base for articulation with the corresponding bone of the second row, and an expanded distal extremity for the support of the nail and end of the toe.

Articulations

In the second, third, fourth, and fifth toes the phalanges of the first row articulate behind with the metatarsal bones, and in front with the second phalanges, which in their turn articulate with the first and third: the ungual phalanges articulate with the second.

See also

• Phalanges of the hand

Additional images

X-ray of foot, showing phalangeal fracture

Skeleton of foot. Medial aspect.

Skeleton of foot. Lateral aspect.

External links

• Diagram at shockfamily.net

This article was originally based on an entry from a public domain edition of Gray's Anatomy. As such, some of the information contained herein may be outdated.

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