How many phalangeal bones are there in total for the fingers and thumbs?

The correct answer is based on the anatomical structure of the human hand, where each finger has three phalangeal bones: the proximal phalanx, the middle phalanx, and the distal phalanx. The thumb, however, has only two phalangeal bones: the proximal phalanx and the distal phalanx.

Considering there are four fingers, each with three phalanges, this gives a total of 12 phalangeal bones from the fingers. Adding the two phalangeal bones from the thumb results in a total of 14 phalangeal bones in the digits of one hand. Since the question refers to the fingers and thumbs collectively, the total number remains the same regardless of whether the focus is on one hand or both, as the configuration is consistent.

This understanding provides a clear basis for why 14 is the correct total for the phalangeal bones in the fingers and thumbs.