Bones of the Foot

1. Introduction
2. Tarsals
3. Metatarsals
4. Phalanges
5. Quiz

• In the standard anatomical arrangement, the foot has 26 bones which can be divided into three groups: tarsals, metatarsals and phalanges.
• There are seven tarsal bones: Talus, Calcaneus, Navicular, Cuboid and three Cuneiforms.
• There are five metatarsals, one for each digit. Lesser toes usually have three phalanges, but a fifth toe with two is a normal anatomical variant. The hallux (big toe) has two phalanges.

Introduction

In the standard anatomical arrangement, there are 26 bones in the foot, which can be divided into three separate groups:

• Tarsals - located proximally within the foot.
• Metatarsals - which connect the phalanges with the tarsal bones.
• Phalanges - the bones within each digit.

The bones of the foot share the common function of weight-bearing and are vital in mechanical support whilst standing and moving.

Tarsals

There are seven tarsal bones:

Talus - the most superior of the tarsal bones. It articulates with the tibia and fibula to form the ankle joint. It also articulates with the calcaneus to transmit forces when standing and moving to provide stability.

Calcaneus - it is found inferior to the talus and forms the ‘heel’ of the foot. It is essential in taking the weight of the body during the ‘heel-strike’ in gait. Other than mechanical support, it is the site of attachment for the Achilles tendon, and therefore is an important bone in providing leverage for plantarflexion. The Achilles tendon, also known as the calcaneal tendon, attaches to the calcaneus via the calcaneal tuberosity.

Navicular - this bone is found immediately distal to the talus, and on the medial side of the foot. On the inferior surface, there is a tuberosity that is the site of attachment for tibialis posterior (therefore contributing to plantarflexion).

Cuboid - one of the most distal tarsal bones and is found laterally. It lies just anterior to the calcaneus. It articulates with the fourth and fifth metatarsals.

Cuneiforms - there are three cuneiforms named by their relationship to each other (lateral, middle and medial). To provide structural support, they are shaped to form an arch within the foot. They also articulate with the first, second and third metatarsals, providing an element of flexibility.

Diagram - An anterior view of the tarsal bones

Creative commons source by Henry Gray Anatomy of the Human Body (1918), edited by Dr. Sachin Sudhakaran [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]

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