Phalangeal is a medical term used to describe anything that pertains to the phalanges or bones in the fingers and toes. The word is spelled as /fəˈlændʒiːəl/, with the emphasis on the second syllable. The "ph" at the beginning is pronounced as /f/ instead of /p/, which is a common characteristic of Greek-based medical terminology. The word is often used in orthopedics to refer to fractures or abnormalities in the bones of the fingers and toes.
Phalangeal is an adjective that pertains to the phalanges, which are the bones in the fingers and toes of humans and animals. Specifically, it refers to the individual bones that make up the fingers and toes, called phalangeal bones.
The phalangeal bones are long and slender, connecting the metacarpal bones of the hand to the distal phalanges, and the metatarsal bones of the foot to the distal phalanges. These bones are crucial for various tasks such as gripping, grasping, and manipulating objects, as well as providing structural support for the hands and feet during movement.
In medical terminology, phalangeal often describes conditions or injuries related to the phalanges. For example, a fracture in one of the phalangeal bones is referred to as a phalangeal fracture, while phalangeal joint refers to the joint formed where two phalanges meet.
Phalangeal is also used to describe various techniques, procedures, and measurements in medical and scientific research related to finger and toe bones. For instance, phalangeal index refers to the ratio of the length of the phalanges relative to other bone proportions and can be used for anthropological or clinical studies.
In conclusion, phalangeal is an adjective that relates to the phalanges or finger and toe bones. It encompasses their structure, function, injuries, conditions, and various scientific aspects related to these bones.
Relating to a phalanx.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Of or relating to the small bones of the fingers and toes, which are arranged in rows, one before the other, in front of the wrist and ankle.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The term phalangeal has its roots in the Greek language. It is derived from the Greek word phalanx, which means a military formation or a line of soldiers with spears and shields. In anatomy, this term is used to describe the bones of the fingers and toes, which are arranged in a similar manner to a phalanx of soldiers. The suffix -eal in phalangeal simply means relating to or pertaining to. Thus, phalangeal literally translates to relating to the bones of the fingers and toes.