CUNEIFORM BONES ANATOMY
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL STRUCTURE
The cuneiform bones are three wedge-shaped bones located in the medial part of the tarsus. They contribute to the structure and stability of the foot's arch. The cuneiforms are named according to their relative positions: medial, intermediate, and lateral.
Location
- Situated in the medial part of the tarsus
- Positioned between the navicular bone posteriorly and the first three metatarsals anteriorly
- Arranged side by side in the distal row of tarsal bones
Function
- Contribute to the transverse arch of the foot
- Provide structural support for weight distribution
- Allow for limited movement between tarsal bones
MEDIAL CUNEIFORM
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The medial cuneiform is the largest of the cuneiform bones. It is situated at the medial side of the foot and plays a crucial role in forming the medial longitudinal arch.
Size and Shape
- Largest of the three cuneiform bones
- Wedge-shaped with the apex directed downward
- Located on the medial side of the foot
Articulations
- Articulates with the navicular bone posteriorly (behind)
- Articulates with the base of the first metatarsal bone anteriorly (in front)
- Articulates with the intermediate cuneiform laterally
- May articulate with the base of the second metatarsal
Muscle Attachments
- Tibialis anterior - inserts on the medial and plantar surfaces
- Tibialis posterior - partial insertion
- Peroneus longus - inserts on the lateral aspect
INTERMEDIATE CUNEIFORM
The intermediate cuneiform is the smallest of the cuneiform bones. It is situated between the medial and lateral cuneiform bones.
Size and Shape
- Smallest of the three cuneiform bones
- Wedge-shaped with the apex directed downward
- Shorter than the medial and lateral cuneiforms
Articulations
- Articulates with the navicular bone posteriorly (behind)
- Articulates with the second metatarsal bone anteriorly (in front)
- Articulates with the medial cuneiform on one side
- Articulates with the lateral cuneiform on the other side
Position
- Recessed relative to its neighbors, creating a mortise for the second metatarsal
- This arrangement provides stability to the tarsometatarsal joint
LATERAL CUNEIFORM
The lateral cuneiform is intermediate in size between the medial and intermediate cuneiform bones. It is located between the intermediate cuneiform and the cuboid bone.
Size and Shape
- Intermediate in size between medial and intermediate cuneiforms
- Wedge-shaped with the apex directed downward
- Located on the lateral aspect of the cuneiform group
Articulations
- Articulates with the navicular bone posteriorly (behind)
- Articulates with the third metatarsal bone anteriorly (in front)
- Articulates with the intermediate cuneiform medially
- Articulates with the cuboid bone laterally
Muscle Attachments
- Tibialis posterior - partial insertion
- Flexor hallucis brevis - may have partial origin
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Henry G, Warren HL. Osteology. In: Anatomy of the Human Body. 20th ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 1918. p. 129–97.
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