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    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Symphyses
    Cartilaginous joints where bones are connected by fibrocartilage.
    Rotator Cuff Tendons
    Tendons of the rotator cuff muscles.
    Biceps Tendon
    Tendon that attaches the biceps muscle to the bone.
    Iliolumbar Ligament
    Ligament connecting the ilium and lumbar vertebrae.
    Wormian Bones
    Sutural bones in the skull.
    Anterior Longitudinal Ligament
    Spinal ligament running along the front of the vertebral column.
    Pivot Joints
    e.g., atlanto-axial joint
    Patellar Tendon
    Tendon connecting the patella to the tibia.
    Saddle Joints
    e.g., thumb joint
    Flexor and Extensor Groups
    Muscles responsible for flexing and extending the hand and wrist.
    Gluteus Maximus
    Largest muscle in the buttocks responsible for hip extension.
    Deltoid
    Shoulder muscle responsible for arm abduction.
    Scapula
    Shoulder blade providing attachment for muscles of the upper limb.
    Lumbar Vertebrae (L1 - L5)
    Vertebrae in the lower back (L1-L5).
    Lacrimal Bones
    Bones forming part of the eye socket and housing the tear ducts.
    Metacarpals (5 bones)
    5 bones forming the palm of the hand.
    Biceps Brachii
    Muscle responsible for elbow flexion.
    Temporal Bones
    Bones forming the lower sides of the skull and housing the ears.
    Ischium
    Part of the pelvis that supports weight while sitting.
    Ribs (12 Pairs)
    12 pairs of bones that form the sides of the thoracic cage.
    Vertebral Column
    Spinal column consisting of vertebrae.
    Temporalis
    Muscle involved in closing the jaw.
    Diaphragm
    Primary muscle for breathing.
    Soleus
    Calf muscle responsible for plantarflexion of the foot.
    Fibula
    Smaller bone in the lower leg, located alongside the tibia.

    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 smallest joint in the body is the stapes in the ear.