Final answer:
The 14 finger bones of the hands are known as phalanges. They enable the hands to perform a wide range of movements, with the thumb having two phalanges and the other fingers each having three.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 14 total finger bones of the hands are called phalanges. Each hand has 14 phalanges: the thumb, or pollex, consisting of a proximal phalanx and a distal phalanx, and the other four fingers each containing three phalanges — the proximal, middle, and distal phalanges.
These phalanges are organized in a way that allows for the flexibility and the complex motions required for gripping and manipulation of objects. The thumb has two phalanges which give it the ability to oppose other fingers, while the other four fingers have three phalanges each, adding both flexibility and length to the digits.
Phalanges are named after the ancient Greek phalanx due to their organized, linear arrangement similar to a formation of soldiers. This structure is crucial for the wide range of movements our hands are capable of performing, from precision tasks like writing to the power grip needed to hold objects firmly.