What is defined as the second or middle joint of the finger?

The second or middle joint of the finger is referred to as the medial phalangeal zone. This term specifically describes the anatomical feature that corresponds to the middle section of the finger, which is crucial in understanding the structure of the finger, especially when analyzing fingerprint patterns and latent prints.

The proximal phalanx is the bone segment that forms the base of the finger and connects it to the hand. The distal phalanx refers to the bone segment at the fingertip, which is farthest from the hand. The carpal region pertains to the wrist bones and is unrelated to the joints of the fingers. Recognizing the distinction between these anatomical components is important in the context of identifying and analyzing fingerprints or injuries related to the fingers.