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    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Flexor and Extensor Groups
    Muscles responsible for flexing and extending the hand and wrist.
    Lacrimal Bones
    Bones forming part of the eye socket and housing the tear ducts.
    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.
    Maxillae
    Upper jaw bones that house the teeth and form part of the orbit.
    Acromioclavicular Joint
    The acromioclavicular joint connects the clavicle and scapula at the top of the shoulder, enabling smooth scapular motion and stability during arm movements.
    Acetabulum
    The acetabulum is the pelvic socket that connects with the femoral head to form the hip joint, vital for stability, movement, and weight-bearing.
    Frontal Bone
    Bone forming the forehead and upper part of the orbits.
    Patella
    Knee cap, protecting the knee joint.
    Zygomatic Bones
    Cheekbones that form part of the orbit.
    Ischium
    Part of the pelvis that supports weight while sitting.
    Gliding (Plane) Joints
    e.g., between carpals
    Buccinator
    Muscle that helps with chewing and blowing air out.
    Hinge Joints
    e.g., elbow, knee
    Anterior Scalene Muscle
    The anterior scalene muscle is a deep neck muscle that elevates the first rib during inspiration and aids in neck flexion and stability, located between key neurovascular structures.
    Ellipsoidal (Condyloid) Joints
    e.g., wrist
    Extensor Tendons
    Tendons that help extend the fingers and toes.
    Diaphragm
    Primary muscle for breathing.
    Latissimus Dorsi
    Back muscle responsible for arm adduction and extension.
    Achilles Tendon
    Tendon connecting the calf muscle to the heel bone.
    Iliolumbar Ligament
    Ligament connecting the ilium and lumbar vertebrae.
    Saddle Joints
    e.g., thumb joint
    Gomphoses
    Fibrous joints where a peg fits into a socket (e.g., teeth in jaw).
    Sacroiliac Ligaments
    Ligaments connecting the sacrum to the iliac bones.
    Vertebral Column
    Spinal column consisting of vertebrae.
    Gluteus Maximus
    Largest muscle in the buttocks responsible for hip extension.

    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 ilium is the largest part of the hip bone.