What are the bones of the fingers and toes called?

The bones of the fingers and toes are referred to as phalanges. Each finger and toe is made up of small bones that articulate with each other, forming the digits. In humans, there are typically three phalanges in each finger (proximal, middle, and distal) and two in each toe (proximal and distal), except for the thumbs and big toes, which have only two phalanges.

Understanding the terminology is essential for recognizing the anatomical structures of the hand and foot. Metacarpals are the long bones in the hand that connect the wrist to the fingers but do not include the actual bones of the fingers themselves. Tarsals refer to the bones in the ankle and the back part of the foot, involved in supporting the weight of the body and facilitating movement but again, unrelated to the fingers and toes. Cuboids are a specific type of tarsal bone, but they do not pertain to the fingers or toes at all. This distinction is crucial in anatomy and helps in accurately describing and understanding the structure of the skeletal system.