What is the total number of phalanges in the upper extremities?

What is the total number of phalanges in the upper extremities?

• A. 14
• B. 20
• C. 24
• D. 28

Answer: (D)

Phalanges in the hands: the thumb has two phalanges, while each of the other four fingers has three. So one hand has 2 + (3×4) = 14 phalanges. There are two upper extremities (two hands), so 14 × 2 = 28 phalanges in total. That’s why 28 is the correct total.

Phalanges in the hands: the thumb has two phalanges, while each of the other four fingers has three. So one hand has 2 + (3×4) = 14 phalanges. There are two upper extremities (two hands), so 14 × 2 = 28 phalanges in total. That’s why 28 is the correct total.