Logo

    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Iliolumbar Ligament
    Ligament connecting the ilium and lumbar vertebrae.
    Cervical Vertebrae (C1 - C7)
    Vertebrae in the neck region (C1-C7).
    Sternocleidomastoid
    Muscle that rotates and flexes the neck.
    Sartorius
    Longest muscle in the body responsible for hip flexion.
    Inferior Nasal Conchae
    Bones inside the nasal cavity that filter and humidify air.
    Sphenoid Bone
    Bone forming part of the base of the skull and sides of the orbits.
    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.
    Posterior Longitudinal Ligament
    Spinal ligament running along the back of the vertebral column.
    Zygomaticus
    Muscle that raises the corners of the mouth.
    Thoracic Cage
    Ribs and sternum forming the protective cage for the heart and lungs.
    Phalanges (14 bones)
    14 bones forming the toes.
    Parietal Bones
    Bones forming the sides and roof of the skull.
    Ball-and-Socket Joints
    e.g., shoulder, hip
    Hyoid Bone
    U-shaped bone in the neck that supports the tongue.
    Hamstrings
    Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus.
    Sacroiliac Ligaments
    Ligaments connecting the sacrum to the iliac bones.
    Zygomatic Bones
    Cheekbones that form part of the orbit.
    Flexor and Extensor Groups
    Muscles responsible for flexing and extending the hand and wrist.
    Brachioradialis
    Muscle responsible for forearm flexion.
    Ribs (12 Pairs)
    12 pairs of bones that form the sides of the thoracic cage.
    Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the inner knee.
    Facial Bones
    Bones forming the structure of the face.
    Metatarsals (5 bones)
    5 bones forming the mid-foot.
    Buccinator
    Muscle that helps with chewing and blowing air out.
    Adductors
    Muscles that bring the thighs toward the midline.

    Tarsals (7 bones)

    Reviewed by our medical team

    7 ankle bones.

    1. Overview

    The tarsals are a group of seven irregularly shaped bones that make up the posterior portion of the foot, forming the ankle and proximal foot region. These bones are integral to weight bearing, stability, and foot mobility. They form the bony framework of the hindfoot and midfoot and articulate with the tibia and fibula superiorly and the metatarsals distally.

    2. Location

    The tarsal bones are located in the posterior part of the foot, divided into two regions:

    • Hindfoot: Includes the talus and calcaneus bones.

    • Midfoot: Comprises the navicular, cuboid, and three cuneiform bones (medial, intermediate, and lateral).

    These bones lie between the bones of the leg (tibia and fibula) and the five metatarsal bones of the forefoot.

    3. Structure

    The seven tarsal bones are:

    • Talus: Forms the lower part of the ankle joint, articulates with the tibia and fibula.

    • Calcaneus: The largest tarsal bone; forms the heel and supports the talus.

    • Navicular: Medial midfoot bone that articulates with the talus and cuneiforms.

    • Cuboid: Lateral midfoot bone that articulates with the calcaneus and lateral metatarsals.

    • Three cuneiforms:

      • Medial, intermediate, and lateral.

      • Located between the navicular and the bases of the first three metatarsals.

    Each tarsal bone is covered with articular cartilage at synovial joint surfaces and has roughened areas for ligament and tendon attachment.

    4. Function

    Tarsal bones perform multiple critical mechanical and supportive functions:

    • Bear body weight: Transfer loads from the leg to the foot during standing and movement.

    • Form joints: Contribute to complex articulations like the subtalar, transverse tarsal, and tarsometatarsal joints.

    • Provide foot structure: Maintain the arches of the foot (especially the medial longitudinal arch).

    • Enable movement: Allow inversion, eversion, dorsiflexion, and plantarflexion of the foot.

    5. Physiological role(s)

    In addition to mechanical functions, the tarsals contribute to dynamic motion and sensory feedback:

    • Shock absorption: Their articulation and slight mobility help dissipate impact forces during walking and running.

    • Proprioception: Ligaments and joint capsules surrounding tarsals contain mechanoreceptors that aid balance and gait control.

    • Stabilize gait: Work with surrounding muscles and tendons (e.g., tibialis posterior, peroneals) to stabilize the foot through the gait cycle.

    6. Clinical Significance

    The tarsal bones are involved in various orthopedic and podiatric conditions:

    • Fractures:

      • Calcaneal fracture: Often due to high-energy trauma like falls from height.

      • Talus fracture: Can disrupt blood supply and lead to avascular necrosis.

      • Navicular stress fracture: Common in athletes due to repetitive loading.

    • Tarsal coalition:

      • Congenital fusion of two or more tarsal bones (e.g., talocalcaneal coalition), which can limit foot mobility and cause pain.

    • Flatfoot (pes planus):

      • Collapse of the medial arch often involves dysfunction of tarsal alignment, especially the talonavicular joint.

    • Tarsal tunnel syndrome:

      • Compression of the tibial nerve as it passes near the tarsal bones, leading to pain and numbness in the sole.

    • Arthritis:

      • Osteoarthritis or post-traumatic arthritis can affect tarsal joints, particularly after injury.

    Did you know? Tendons attach muscles to bones.