Phalanx bone and far phalanges of the fourth and fifth toes are often fused together (symphalangism). The phalanges of the hand are commonly known as the finger bones. The phalanges of the foot differ from the hand in that they are often shorter and more compressed, especially in the proximal phalanges, those closest to the body. A phalanx is named according to whether is are proximal, middle, or distal and its associated finger or toe. The proximal phalanges are those that are closest to the hand or foot. In the hand, the prominent, knobby ends of the phalanges are known as knuckles.
The Valley of Bones The Valley of Bones The Valley of Bones is the seventh novel in Anthony Powell's twelve-volume series "A Dance to the Music of Time". Published in 1964, it is the first of the war trilogy. Early in 1940 Nick Jenkins joins his regiment in Wales as a second lieutenant. The reader is introduced to his commanding officer, the officious Captain Gwatkin, and the alcoholic Lieutenant Bithel. The battalion is moved to Northern Ireland where Gwatkin disastrously muddles instructions during an exercise and there is a snap inspection by General Liddament. En route to a training course at Aldershot Nick makes