The PIP joint is located between which phalanges?

• A. Proximal and Intermediate
• B. Proximal and Distal
• C. Intermediate and Distal
• D. Distal and Proximal

Answer: (A)

The proximal interphalangeal joint sits between the proximal phalanx and the middle (intermediate) phalanx. This is the first bend you feel when you look at a finger from base to tip. The next joint toward the tip, between the middle and distal phalanges, is the distal interphalangeal joint, while the joint at the base of the finger is the metacarpophalangeal joint between the metacarpal and proximal phalanx. So the PIP is specifically between the proximal and middle phalanges.