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BONES OF THE FOOT ANATOMY

Author: Dr. Bogdan Leahu
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Bones of the foot anatomy 360-degree interactive viewer showing tarsal bones, metatarsal bones, and phalanges
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

  • The bones of the foot are organized into three main groups that work together to provide structure and functionality
  • Tarsal bones: Form the posterior section of the foot
  • Metatarsal bones: Create the framework of the midfoot
  • Phalanges of the foot: Form the toes

TARSAL BONES

Tarsal bones 360-degree viewer showing seven tarsal bones including talus, calcaneus, navicular, cuneiform, and cuboid bones
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  • Total: Seven tarsal bones
  • Form the posterior section of the foot
  • Shape the foot's structure and enable its functional dynamics
  • Provide stability and support during movement

Talus

  • Supports the tibia
  • Rests on the calcaneus
  • Articulates with:
    • Medial and lateral malleolus on either side
    • Navicular bone in front

Calcaneus

  • Largest tarsal bone
  • Located at the lower and posterior part of the foot
  • Transmits the body's weight to the ground
  • Forms a strong lever for calf muscles
  • Located on the medial side of the tarsus
  • Positioned between:
    • Talus behind
    • Cuneiform bones in front

Cuneiform Bones

  • Three wedge-shaped bones
  • Articulate with:
    • Navicular bone behind
    • First, second, and third metatarsal bones in front

Cuboid Bone

  • Located on the lateral side of the foot
  • Positioned between:
    • Calcaneus behind
    • Fourth and fifth metatarsal bones in front

METATARSALS

  • Total: Five metatarsal bones
  • Create the framework of the midfoot
  • Numbered I to V from medial to lateral

PHALANGES OF FOOT

  • Total: Fourteen phalanges
  • Arrangement:
    • Three for each toe (proximal, middle, distal)
    • Two for the great toe (proximal, distal)

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Henry G, Warren HL. Osteology. In: Anatomy of the Human Body. 20th ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 1918. p. 129–97.

QUICK FACTS: BONES OF THE FOOT

Key questions answered about this anatomy topic

Q: How many tarsal bones are there in total?

Answer: Seven. There are seven tarsal bones in total: talus, calcaneus, navicular, three cuneiform bones, and cuboid.

Q: Which is the largest tarsal bone?

Answer: Calcaneus. The calcaneus is the largest tarsal bone, located at the lower and posterior part of the foot.

Q: Which tarsal bone supports the tibia?

Answer: Talus. The talus supports the tibia and rests on the calcaneus. It articulates with the medial and lateral malleolus on either side.

Q: Where is the navicular bone located?

Answer: Medial side of the tarsus. The navicular bone is located on the medial side of the tarsus, positioned between the talus behind and the cuneiform bones in front.

Q: How many cuneiform bones are there?

Answer: Three. There are three cuneiform bones. They are wedge-shaped and articulate with the navicular bone behind and the first, second, and third metatarsal bones in front.

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