PSI Barbering Practice Exam

What are the bones of the fingers called?

1. Phalanges

2. Carpals

3. Metacarpals

4. Digits

The correct answer is: Phalanges

The bones of the fingers are referred to as phalanges. Each finger consists of three phalangeal bones: the distal phalanx (the tip of the finger), the middle phalanx (the bone between the tip and the base), and the proximal phalanx (the bone closest to the hand). The thumb is slightly different; it has two phalanges—distal and proximal—lacking a middle phalanx. Understanding the specific terminology is important because it helps in recognizing the role each bone plays in the structure and movement of the fingers. The other options refer to different groups of bones: carpals are the wrist bones, metacarpals are the bones of the hand that connect the wrist to the fingers, and digits is a generic term that can refer to either fingers or toes but doesn’t specify the bones themselves.