Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

Which of the following best describes phalanges?

1. Bones in the fingers

2. Bones in the toes

3. Bones in the wrist

4. Bones in the ankle

The correct answer is: Bones in the toes

The phalanges refer to the bones that make up the fingers and toes in the human body. Each hand has fourteen phalanges—three for each finger and two for each thumb—whereas each foot also has fourteen phalanges, distributed similarly across the toes. In the context of the question, the term specifically pertains to the anatomical structure found in both the fingers and the toes, with the correct answer highlighting their presence in the toes as well. By understanding this, it becomes clear that while the description encompasses both the fingers and toes, the specific focus on toes emphasizes the answer’s relevance within that context. It's important to note that the other choices incorrectly attribute the term "phalanges" to other parts of the skeletal system, such as the wrist and ankle, which consist of different bones (carpals in the wrist and tarsals in the ankle) and do not include phalanges.