Also called: Base phalange · Material phalange · Lower phalange

Where on the hand: The lowest section of each finger, from the second crease down to where the finger joins the palm.

What it looks like: The bottom box of three; note thickness as well as length — a padded base phalange is as significant as a long one.

The material world: physical energy, appetite, sensuality, money, possessions, status and ambition. Long or thick here gives the sensualist or materialist. Vinay Aditya's rule of thumb: those pursuing sensual pleasure have long base phalanges.

Read with care: The dissenting Indian source reads a long lower phalange positively — judicious, situational decision-making, emotional and generous — against the mainstream reading of appetite. Report the conflict.