DIP stands for which joint?

• A. Proximal Interphalangeal Joint
• B. Carpometacarpal Joint
• C. Metacarpophalangeal Joint
• D. Distal Interphalangeal Joint

Answer: (D)

DIP stands for distal interphalangeal joint, the joint at the fingertip between the middle and distal phalanges. The naming shows where it sits: “interphalangeal” means between phalanges, and “distal” specifies the joint toward the tip. In the fingers, there are two interphalangeal joints—the proximal interphalangeal joint between the proximal and middle phalanges, and the distal interphalangeal joint between the middle and distal phalanges. The other options refer to different joints: the carpometacarpal joint is between the carpal bones and the metacarpals, and the metacarpophalangeal joint is between the metacarpal and proximal phalanx.