Question

The number of phalanges in each limb of human is

Answer 1

Hint: Limb is the major appendage used for the locomotion purpose. It can also be called as the arm or leg of a person or any animal. Phalanges are present in the hands or foot of a person or animal. Let’s first discuss the various hand and foot bones.

Complete Answer:
The bones of the hand are divided into three categories:
1. Carpals: Carpals are located in the wrist. There are a total of 8 bones which together make carpal. These bones are irregularly shaped.
2. Metacarpals: Metacarpals are the bones that are present in between the phalanges and carpals. There are 5 metacarpals. Each of the metacarpal is related to a digit or finger.
3. Phalanges: Phalanges are the bones of the fingers. Each finger has three phalanges. Only the thumb has two phalanges.

The bones of the foot are also divided into three categories:
1. Tarsals: Tarsals are located in the ankle area of the foot. There are a total of 7 bones which together are called tarsals. These bones are irregularly shaped.
2. Metatarsals: Metatarsals are the bones that connect the phalanges with that of the tarsals. They are 5 in number. Each of the metatarsals is related to one digit.
3. Phalanges: Phalanges are the bones of the toe. Each toe has three phalanges except the big toe which has only two phalanges.

As each limb of a person has four fingers and one thumb or four toes and one big toe. Each finger has three phalanges and thumb has two phalanges. So, the total number of phalanges in each limb is 14.

Note: A bone is a rigid organ which constitutes the part of skeleton in the animals. Bones protect the various organs of the body from any kind of injury. Bones provide structure and support to the body. Bones produce red blood cells which are responsible for oxygen and carbon dioxide transportation and White blood cells which are responsible for providing immunity to the body against many pathogens. Bones are of various shapes and sizes. The largest bone present in the human body is Femur which is a thigh bone. The smallest bone present in the body of the human is stapes which is the ear bone.