Human Anatomy, Part 1 - K. A. Dyubenko, A. K. Kolomiytsev, Yu. B. Chaykovsky 2002

Special Part
Appendicular skeleton, sceleton appendiculare — Bones of the upper limb, ossa membri superioris
Bones of the hand — Phalanges

The BONES OF THE digits [Phalanges], ossa digitorum [phalanges], are represented by small, tubular bones (see Fig. 65). The first digit has two phalanges: a proximal phalanx, phalanx proximalis, and a distal phalanx, phalanx distalis. The remaining digits also feature a middle phalanx, phalanx media. Each phalanx consists of a body, corpus phalangis, and two extremities: upper and lower. The upper extremity is thickened and is termed the base, basis phalangis. The lower extremity tapers into the HEAD of the phalanx, caput phalangis. The lower extremity of the distal phalanx bears a small tuberosity, tuberositas phalangis distalis.

Ossification. The Carpal Bones are cartilaginous at birth. The first ossification center appears in the capitate bone at 2 months, in the hamate at 3 months, in the triquetrum at 3 years, in the lunate at 4 years, in the scaphoid at 5 years, in the trapezoid at 5–6 years, and in the pisiform in girls at 7–12 years, and in boys at 15 years. In the Metacarpal bones, ossification centers appear in the diaphyses at 9–10 weeks of intrauterine development. Centers in the heads appear in the 3rd year after birth. In the bases of the phalanges, ossification centers appear at 8–12 weeks of intrauterine development, and in the proximal epiphyses, in the 3rd year of life.