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    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Pectoralis Major
    Chest muscle responsible for shoulder movement.
    Phalanges (14 bones)
    14 bones forming the toes.
    Flexor Tendons
    Tendons that help flex the fingers and toes.
    Trapezius
    Muscle responsible for moving, rotating, and stabilizing the scapula.
    Ethmoid Bone
    Bone forming part of the nasal cavity and the orbit.
    Rotator Cuff Tendons
    Tendons of the rotator cuff muscles.
    Annular Ligament
    The annular ligament is a strong fibrous band encircling the head of the radius, stabilizing the proximal radioulnar joint and allowing smooth rotation of the forearm.
    Quadriceps
    Rectus Femoris, Vastus Medialis, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Intermedius.
    Lumbar Vertebrae (L1 - L5)
    Vertebrae in the lower back (L1-L5).
    Symphyses
    Cartilaginous joints where bones are connected by fibrocartilage.
    Latissimus Dorsi
    Back muscle responsible for arm adduction and extension.
    Brachioradialis
    Muscle responsible for forearm flexion.
    Interspinous Ligament
    Spinal ligament between adjacent vertebral spinous processes.
    Extensor Tendons
    Tendons that help extend the fingers and toes.
    Humerus
    Upper arm bone connecting the shoulder to the elbow.
    Lacrimal Bones
    Bones forming part of the eye socket and housing the tear ducts.
    Wormian Bones
    Sutural bones in the skull.
    Sartorius
    Longest muscle in the body responsible for hip flexion.
    Hamstrings
    Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus.
    Biceps Brachii
    Muscle responsible for elbow flexion.
    Glenohumeral Ligaments
    Shoulder ligaments that stabilize the shoulder joint.
    Temporalis
    Muscle involved in closing the jaw.
    Iliolumbar Ligament
    Ligament connecting the ilium and lumbar vertebrae.
    Rotator Cuff Muscles
    Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor, Subscapularis.
    Cervical Vertebrae (C1 - C7)
    Vertebrae in the neck region (C1-C7).

    Metatarsals (5 bones)

    Reviewed by our medical team

    5 bones forming the mid-foot.

    1. Overview

    The metatarsals are five long bones located in the foot, forming the anterior portion of the arch and connecting the tarsal bones of the midfoot to the phalanges of the toes. They play a vital role in weight-bearing, balance, and locomotion. Numbered I to V (from medial to lateral), the metatarsals are key structural elements that enable upright posture and dynamic foot movement.

    2. Location

    The metatarsals are located in the forefoot, between the tarsal bones and the phalanges:

    • Proximally: Articulate with the tarsal bones (cuneiforms and cuboid) at the tarsometatarsal (TMT) joints.

    • Distally: Articulate with the proximal phalanges at the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints.

    • Medially to laterally: Span from the big toe (1st metatarsal) to the little toe (5th metatarsal).

    3. Structure

    Each metatarsal is a miniature long bone made up of three main parts:

    • Base: The proximal end; articulates with tarsal bones.

    • Shaft (body): Long central portion with a slight arch contributing to the foot's longitudinal arch.

    • Head: The distal end; articulates with the proximal phalanx of each toe.

    Distinct features:

    • 1st Metatarsal: Shortest and thickest; bears the most weight and has medial and lateral sesamoid bones at its head.

    • 2nd Metatarsal: Longest and most recessed into the cuneiforms; most commonly fractured due to stress.

    • 5th Metatarsal: Has a prominent tuberosity at its base for peroneus brevis tendon insertion (common site of avulsion fractures).

    4. Function

    The metatarsals serve several mechanical and structural functions:

    • Support body weight: Form the anterior arch and distribute weight across the forefoot during standing and movement.

    • Enable locomotion: Serve as levers during toe-off in the gait cycle.

    • Maintain foot shape: Contribute to both longitudinal and transverse arches of the foot.

    • Connect tarsus and phalanges: Provide articulating surfaces for controlled toe movements.

    5. Physiological role(s)

    Metatarsals play essential roles beyond skeletal support:

    • Shock absorption: Work with muscles and soft tissues to dampen impact forces during running or jumping.

    • Fine motor balance: Allow for subtle adjustments in posture and balance during complex foot positioning.

    • Muscle and ligament attachment: Serve as anchor points for intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscles, supporting foot motion and stabilization.

    • Dynamic adaptation: Enable the foot to adapt to different surfaces through micro-movements across the metatarsal heads.

    6. Clinical Significance

    The metatarsals are commonly involved in various orthopedic, sports-related, and structural foot conditions:

    • Metatarsal fractures:

      • Stress fractures: Often occur in athletes due to repetitive loading, especially in the 2nd and 3rd metatarsals.

      • Avulsion fractures: Common at the base of the 5th metatarsal (e.g., "Jones fracture").

    • Metatarsalgia:

      • Pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, often due to overuse or improper footwear.

    • Bunion (hallux valgus):

      • Lateral deviation of the 1st metatarsal leads to joint misalignment and bony prominence.

    • Morton’s neuroma:

      • Nerve compression between metatarsal heads, commonly between the 3rd and 4th toes, causing burning or tingling sensations.

    • Flatfoot or high arches:

      • Abnormalities in the metatarsal arch can contribute to altered gait and pain syndromes.

    • Diabetic foot complications:

      • Metatarsal heads are frequent pressure points prone to ulceration in neuropathic patients.

    Did you know? The skull is made up of 22 bones.