Tarsal Bones (Left)

Description

The tarsal bones are one of the three groups of bones of the foot, the other two being the metatarsal bones and the phalanges. They're located between the leg and the metatarsal bones and collectively from the tarsus, which is the skeletal framework of the ankle and hindfoot. The seven tarsal bones are arranged in separate proximal and distal rows, with a single bone interposed between them.

The proximal row consists of the talus and calcaneus. These bones articulate with each other at the subtalar and talocalcaneonavicular joints. The talus articulates proximally with the tibia and fibula, forming the ankle joint.

The distal row consists of, from lateral to medial, the cuboid, lateral cuneiform, intermediate cuneiform, and medial cuneiform bones. The cuneiform bones articulate with each other at intercuneiform joints, while the lateral cuneiform bone articulates with the cuboid bone at the cuneocuboid joint. The cuboid bone articulates proximally with the calcaneus, forming the calcaneocuboid joint. The distal row of tarsal bones articulates distally with the metatarsals, forming the tarsometatarsal joints, which are collectively known as Lisfranc’s joint.

Interposed between the proximal and distal rows, on the medial aspect of the foot, is the single navicular bone. It articulates proximally with the talus at the talocalcaneonavicular joint and distally with all three cuneiform bones at the cuneonavicular joint. The navicular bone articulates laterally with the cuboid bone at the cuboideonavicular joint.

The tarsal bones are classified as short bones. Each tarsal bone is morphologically unique and named according to its perceived shape. The dorsal aspects of the tarsal bones collectively form a slightly convex surface, while their plantar aspects contribute to the formation of both the medial and lateral longitudinal arches, and the transverse arch of the foot. These arches are essential in shock absorption and weight distribution across the foot.