Anatomy of the Bones of the Foot

The bones of the foot subdivide into three sections. Seven bones collectively called tarsals form the heel, ankle and the rear base of the instep. The toes consist of 14 bones called phalanges. Five long bones called metatarsals connect the ankle bones with the toes.

Placement of Tarsals

• Two large bones occupy the back of the foot: the ankle bone or talus, which rests on top of the heel bone or calcaneus. The navicular lies in front of the bottom part of the talus on the inside part of each foot and beside the front part of the rather long calcaneus. Four small bones form a row in front of the navicular and calcaneus: three wedge-shaped bones called cuneiforms and the cuboid toward the outside.

Metatarsals and Phalanges

• The metatarsals are five arch-like parallel bones that run the length of the foot. They lie in front of the row of the cuneiforms and cuboid and form the instep of each foot. Toe bones lie in front of each metatarsal. Each toe consists of three bones arranged in a straight line, except that the big toe has only two bones.

Joints and Ligaments

• These bones have compatible facets to form joints with one another. Tough ligaments bind these bones together. The surfaces of the bones have grooves and rough areas for the attachment of muscle tendons.