ARTICULATIONS OF THE PHALANGES. 233 



Articular surfaces. In both phalangeal joints, the nearer phalanx Form of 

 presents a trochlear surface ; and the distal one is marked by two bones - 

 lateral hollows or cups with a median ridge. 



Morement. Only flexion and extension are permitted in the two Kind of 

 phalangeal joints of the toes, as in the hand. motion, 



In flexion the farther phalanx glides under the nearer : and in movement 

 f> iition the two are brought into a straight line. 



The bending is checked by the lateral ligaments and the extensor state of liga- 

 tendon ; and the straightening is limited by the inferior ligament ln 

 and the nexor tendons. 



