Foot Anatomy

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomical structures, positions, and articulations of the phalanges, metatarsals, and tarsal bones of the human foot.

Phalanges

Miniature long bones distal to the metatarsals, numbered $1$-$5$ from the big toe to the little toe, consisting of proximal, middle, and distal components (except for the hallux).

Hallux

Also known as the big toe or $1\text{st}$ digit, it is the only digit of the foot that possesses only a proximal and distal phalanx.

Phalanges Main Features

Components including a base expanded for a joint, a shaft that is concave ventrally and convex dorsally, and a head expanded for a joint (except in distal phalanges).

Metatarsal Bones

Miniature long bones distal to the tarsals, numbered $1$-$5$ from medial to lateral, which articulate with the cuneiforms, cuboid, and proximal phalanges.

$1\text{st}$ Metatarsal

The larger and strong metatarsal bone important for weight bearing, featuring $2$ sesamoid bones at its rounded head.

$5\text{th}$ Metatarsal

A metatarsal bone featuring a prominent tubercle at its base used for muscular attachment.

Tarsal Bones

Short bones arranged in a proximal and distal row, structured specifically for weight bearing.

Cuboid

A bone in the distal row of tarsals that articulates with the calcaneus, the $4\text{th}$ and $5\text{th}$ metatarsals, and the lateral cuneiform.

Cuneiform Bones

Three small wedge-shaped bones in the distal row (medial, intermediate, and lateral) that articulate with the navicular and metatarsals $1$-$3$.

Navicular

A distal row tarsal bone with a tuberosity seen and felt along the medial foot; it articulates with the talus, cuboid, and all $3$ cuneiforms.

Talus

A proximal row tarsal bone consisting of a head articulating with the navicular, a neck containing the sulcus tali, and a body articulating superiorly with the distal end of the tibia.

Calcaneus

The largest tarsal bone forming the heel, which has $6$ surfaces including a medial surface featuring the sustentaculum tali and a lateral surface featuring the peroneal tubercle.

Sustentaculum Tali

A shelf-like structure on the medial surface of the calcaneus that supports the head of the talus.

Sulcus Tali

A narrow groove or sulcus located within the neck of the talus bone.

Peroneal Tubercle

A feature located on the lateral surface of the calcaneus.