Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
08:27
Three-Dimensional Finger Motion Tracking during Needling: A Solution for the Kinematic Analysis of Acupuncture Manipulation
Published on: October 28, 2021
[Does the thumb have two phalanges or three? Development of ideas since Aristotle]
1Laboratoire d'anatomie, faculté de médecine, 22, avenue Camille-Desmoulins, 29200 Brest, France. romain.gerard@chu-brest.fr
Morphologie : Bulletin De L'Association Des Anatomistes
|October 6, 2009
Summary
This study explores the historical debate on the human thumb
Area of Science:
- Anatomy and history of science
- Skeletal morphology and evolution
Context:
- Historical anatomical controversies surrounding the human hand.
- Critiques of Galen's anatomical theories based on animal dissection.
- The structural complexity of the human hand as a source of debate.
Purpose:
- To investigate the long-standing disagreement regarding the number of phalanges in the human thumb.
- To analyze the historical evolution of the theory that the first metacarpus is a missing element in the thumb's digital row.
- To present the rationale for coining the term 'metaphalanx' for the first metacarpus.
Summary:
- The study focuses on the anatomical debate: does the human thumb have two or three phalanges?
- This depends on whether the first metacarpal bone is included as a phalanx.
- The proposed term 'metaphalanx' aims to resolve this historical anatomical discrepancy.
Impact:
- Provides clarity on a persistent anatomical controversy regarding thumb phalanges.
- Offers a new term, 'metaphalanx,' to potentially standardize anatomical nomenclature.
- Contributes to the understanding of historical anatomical reasoning and its evolution.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:09Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
The upper and lower limb initially develops as a small bulge called a limb bud, which appears on the lateral side of the early embryo. The upper limb bud appears near the end of the fourth week of development, with the lower limb bud appearing shortly after.
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
01:09Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius
The radius is longer of the two bones that make up the human antebrachium or forearm. At the proximal end, the radius articulates with the capitulum of the humerus and the radial notch of the ulna to form the elbow joint. At the distal end, the radius articulates with the ulna via the ulnar notch, forming the distal radioulnar joint. Distally, the radius also attaches to the carpal wrist bones (scaphoid and lunate) to form the radiocarpal joint.
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a short...
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a short...
01:15Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna
The ulna and radius are parallel bones of the antebrachium or the forearm. The ulna lies medially and consists of a bony tip called the olecranon process at its proximal end. This hook-like projection articulates with the olecranon fossa of the humerus and forms the "hinged" ulnohumeral part of the elbow joint. This joint facilitates forearm extension and flexion while preventing its hyperextension. Similarly, the coronoid process, another bony projection on the proximal/anterior side of the...
01:19Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus
The upper limb consists of the arm, forearm, wrist, and hand bones. The humerus is the single bone of the upper arm region. Proximally, it has a large, spherical, smooth head that articulates with the glenoid cavity of the scapula to form the glenohumeral or shoulder joint. The margin of the head is the anatomical neck, a residual epiphyseal plate. Laterally it extends to form bony projections called the greater tubercle and the lesser tubercle. Next to the tubercles is the surgical neck, a...
01:29Three Developmental Domains
Human development is typically examined across three main domains: physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional. These domains represent the significant areas of change and continuity throughout the lifespan, from infancy to late adulthood.
Physical Development
Physical processes, also known as maturation, encompass the biological changes that occur across an individual's life. These changes begin with genetic inheritance and continue through various stages, including growth in height and weight,...
Physical Development
Physical processes, also known as maturation, encompass the biological changes that occur across an individual's life. These changes begin with genetic inheritance and continue through various stages, including growth in height and weight,...
01:16Muscles of the Forearm that Move the Hand and Fingers
The muscles of the forearm that move the wrist, hand, and digits are numerous and diverse. They can be classified into two groups based on their location and function — the anterior and posterior compartment muscles.
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment muscles originate from the humerus. They primarily function as flexors and are also known as flexor muscles. They typically insert on the carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges. The superficial layer includes the flexor carpi radialis,...
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment muscles originate from the humerus. They primarily function as flexors and are also known as flexor muscles. They typically insert on the carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges. The superficial layer includes the flexor carpi radialis,...