In anatomy, phalanx bones (plural phalanges) are those that form the fingers and toes. In primates such as humans and monkeys, the thumb and big toe have two phalanges, while the other fingers and toes consist of three[citation needed]. Phalanges are classified as long bones.
The phalanges do not have individual names. They are named for the digit they represent and their relative location from the center of the body (proximal or distal).
The term phalanx or phalanges refers to an ancient Greek army formation in which soldiers stand side by side, several rows deep, like an arrangement of fingers or toes.