What is the function of the phalanges?

Phalanges are the bones in most vertebrates' fingers and toes. There are three different types of phalanges, including distal, middle and proximal, for every digit except for the thumbs and big toes, which have two phalanges as opposed to the three phalanges that the other digits contain.

Phalanges, known as phalanx in singular form, are long bones that exist in every finger and toe. In total, the human body contains 56 phalanges bones, each of which has a joint or knuckle to connect it with others. The proximal bones sit just below the knuckle with the intermediate bones above the knuckle. The distal phalanges are the fingertips. Distal extremities are proximal extremities.