Distal
Distal phalanges refer to the bones consisting the tips of the fingers.
Distal Phalanges of the Hand
The hand is consists of three groups of bones: the carpals, metacarpals and phalanges. The carpals are consist of eight bones, which comprise the wrist and serves as base of the hand. The metacarpals are the bones between the carpals and phalanges. These bones serve as base/foundation for the phalanges.The phalanges are the fingers.
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Distal
3 Divisions of the Phalanges:
1. Proximal phalanges - bones closest and connected to the distal end of the metacarpal bones or just next to the knuckle
2. Intermediate phalanges- bones located between the proximal and distal phalanges
3. Distal phalanges- bones that consist the tips of the fingers; attached to the distal end of the intermediate phalanges
The primary function of the distal phalanges is to provide support to the flesh or muscles on the finger tips where the fingernails are attached. Such muscles are important as they house several nerve endings that make the fingers sensitive to pain, hot, cold, pressure and any sensory feelings involving the sense of touch. These nerve endings converts sensory input into nerve impulse and transmits it to the brain. Once the nerve impulse reaches the brain, the brain analyzes the stimulus and responds by activating organs, muscles or glands. For instance, if you hold something hot, the nerve endings sends the nerve impulse to the brain informing that something is hot. Normally, the brain would command your hand to withdraw or move away from the hot object.
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