What bones make up the fingers?

The phalanges are the bones that specifically make up the fingers. Each finger contains three phalanges, known as the proximal, middle, and distal phalanges, except for the thumb, which has only two (the proximal and distal phalanges). This arrangement allows for a wide range of motion and the ability to perform intricate tasks with the fingers.

The metacarpals are located in the middle of the hand and connect the phalanges to the carpals at the wrist. While important, they do not constitute the bones of the fingers themselves. Carpals are the bones of the wrist, and the radius is one of the forearm bones, neither of which have a direct role in forming the structure of the fingers. Understanding the specific roles and locations of these bone types is crucial in anatomy, especially when considering movements and functionality of the hand.