There are three bones in each finger called the proximal phalanx, the middle phalanx and the distal phalanx. Each finger has three joints. The first joint is where the finger joins the hand. This joint is where the bones that form the palm of the hand, the metacarpals, join with the first bone of the finger, called the proximal phalanx. The second joint is the proximal interphalangeal joint, sometimes called the PIP joint for short. The last joint of the finger is called the distal interphalangeal joint, or DIP. Each of these joints is covered with articular cartilage. Articular cartilage is the smooth spongy material that covers the end of bones that make up a joint. The cartilage allows the bones to slide easily against one another as the joint moves through its range of motion.