With the exception of the thumb, how many phalanges does each finger have?

Prepare for the National Board Certification Orthopedic Technologist Exam. Enhance your knowledge with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question comes with hints and explanations to ensure you're ready for your certification!

Each finger, with the exception of the thumb, has three phalanges. These are the proximal phalanx, the middle phalanx, and the distal phalanx. This structure allows for a greater range of motion and dexterity in the fingers compared to the thumb, which has only two phalanges (the proximal and the distal).

The three-phalanx arrangement in each finger enhances functional grip and fine motor skills, crucial for many everyday tasks. Understanding the anatomy of the fingers is essential in orthopedic practice, especially when assessing injuries or conditions that may affect hand function. Recognizing that each of the four other fingers contains three phalanges emphasizes the complexity and the importance of this anatomical structure in overall hand biomechanics.

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