Connective Tissue
Collateral Metatarsophalangeal Ligaments
Ligamenta metatarsophalangea collateralia
Read moreStructure
The collateral metatarsophalangeal ligaments are strong fibers that extend from the lateral and medial sides of the heads of the metatarsal bones to the bases of the proximal phalanges. Additional fibers, also called the accessory collateral ligaments, insert into the plantar ligaments of the metatarsophalangeal joints (or the plantar plates), dense, fibrocartilaginous bands found on the plantar surface of the metatarsophalangeal joints.
Function
The collateral metatarsophalangeal ligaments help stabilize these joints. During flexion, the ligaments become taut, thus, restricting movement.
