Description
The bases of the second to fifth metatarsal bones articulate with each other at small synovial joints on their adjacent sides. The first and second metatarsals do not articulate with each other. The joint spaces of the second to fourth metatarsal bones are limited on their plantar and dorsal aspects by the plantar and dorsal metatarsal ligaments, and anteriorly by the interosseous metatarsal ligament. These ligaments add stability to the intermetatarsal joints, while the strong interosseous metatarsal ligaments help maintain the transverse arch of the foot. Only small gliding movements occur at the intermetatarsal joints.
The heads of all the metatarsal bones are joined indirectly by the deep transverse metatarsal ligament.
Related parts of the anatomy
