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Metatarsus

The metatarsal bones are the five elongated bones situated between the tarsus and the skeleton of the toes' phalanges. At the first look, the metatarsal bone looks very similar to the metacarpals. However, if you know where to look – you will never mix them. The main difference lies in the function of the metacarpals – to effectively and safely distribute the body's weight. This is why the shape of the metatarsal shaft on the cross-section is more oval than circular, and the heads of metatarsals are narrower and more oval than the nearly spherical heads of metacarpal bones.

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Bones of the foot. The plantar view Tarsal bones. The plantar view
Ossa metatarsi in situ. The dorsal view.
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Bones of the foot. The plantar view Tarsal bones. The plantar view
Ossa metatarsi in situ. The plantar view.
The list of terms: Tarsus
Metatarsus
Ossa digitorum pedis – Phalanges of toes
Os metatarsale I, II, III, V et VI – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th metatarsal bone
Icon of crossfade image The multiple views of the first metatarsal bone in situ and ex situ
The superior aspect of the bones of the foot and the talus The top view of the talus with the anatomical terminology comments
The 1st metatarsal bone in situ & ex situ.
The 1st metatarsal bone is more massive and usually shorter compared to other metatarsal bones. Another peculiarity is the complex shape of its head caused by the presence of the sesamoid bones. The first metatarsal's more rounded head is believed to be related to the increased risk of the development of hallux valgus deformity*.
The list of terms: Os metatarsale I – 1st metatarsal bone
Caput metatarsale – Head of metatarsal bone
Corpus metatarsale – Shaft of metatarsal bone
Basis metatarsalis – Base of metatarsal bone
Tuberositas ossis metatarsalis I – Tuberosity of first metatarsal
  • * Kanatli, U. et al. Effect of metatarsal head shape on the development of hallux valgus deformity: 10 years of natural follow-up. J Am Podiat Med Assn. 2020, 110(3):Article_3
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    Icon of crossfade image The multiple aspects of the 3rd metatarsal bone with the anatomical terminology added
    The superior aspect of the bones of the foot and the talus The top view of the talus with the anatomical terminology comments
    The typical (3rd) metatarsal bone in situ & ex situ
    The list of terms: Os metatarsale – Metatarsal bone
    Caput metatarsale – Head of metatarsal bone
    Corpus metatarsale – Shaft of metatarsal bone
    Basis metatarsalis – Base of metatarsal bone
    Icon of crossfade image The different views of the 5th meatarsal bone in situ and ex situ
    The superior aspect of the bones of the foot and the talus The top view of the talus with the anatomical terminology comments
    The 5th metatarsal bone in situ & ex situ.
    This metatarsal bone's unique feature is the broad tuberosity at the base – the site of attachment of the short peroneal muscle.
    The list of terms: Os metatarsale V – 5th metatarsal bone
    Caput metatarsale – Head of metatarsal bone
    Corpus metatarsale – Shaft of metatarsal bone
    Basis metatarsalis – Base of metatarsal bone
    Tuberositas ossis metatarsalis quinti (V) – Tuberosity of fifth metatarsal
    360° rotation of the bones of the foot.
    First published: 3/Jan/2021
    Last update: 13/Jan/2021