What type of bones are the phalanges classified as?

The phalanges, which are the bones that make up the fingers and toes, are classified as long bones. Long bones are characterized by their elongated shape and are primarily made up of a shaft (diaphysis) and two ends (epiphyses). They typically have a hollow cavity that contains bone marrow.

In the case of the phalanges, although they are smaller than other long bones such as the femur or humerus, they still share the key structural characteristics of long bones: they have a length greater than their width, and their growth and development are guided by the same physiological processes. This classification is critical as it helps to understand the function of these bones in providing support, leverage, and facilitating movement through the joints of the fingers and toes.