Phalanx bone The proximal phalanges join with the metacarpals of the hand or metatarsals of the foot at the metacarpophalangeal joint or metatarsophalangeal joint. The intermediate phalanx is not only intermediate in location, but usually also in size. The thumb and large toe do not possess a middle phalanx. The distal phalanges are the bones at the tips of the fingers or toes. The proximal, intermediate, and distal phalanges articulate with one another through interphalangeal articulations. Each phalanx consists of a central part, called the "body", and two extremities. In the foot, the proximal phalanges have a body that is compressed from
Ostromia addition, the ungual (claw) of the first digit of the hand is smaller than the corresponding first metacarpal, while in "Archaeopteryx" the claw is larger. The Haarlem specimen's metatarsals are also estimated to be proportionally longer than those of "Archaeopteryx" specimens. In addition, the Haarlem specimen shares several features with "Anchiornis". Most notably, they both have longitudinal furrows on the top and bottom sides of their manual phalanges (finger bones). While such structures can be a result of collapsed or broken bones (as is the case in several "Archaeopteryx" specimens), the straight, smooth edges of the furrows in "Ostromia" and