Fourth metatarsal bone
Os quartum metatarsi
Definition
There are 5 metatarsal bones in the foot, arranged in a medial to lateral sequence. The fourth metatarsal bone corresponds to the fourth toe.
Similar to the rest of the metatarsals, the fourth metatarsal bone consists of a head, a body (or shaft), and a base. The head points distally and connects with the proximal phalanx of the respective toe. The base has a wedge shape and is directed obliquely from medial to lateral, articulating with the distal tarsal bone(s). Additionally, the base connects laterally and medially with the bases of the fifth and third metatarsal bones, respectively. The body (a.k.a. the shaft) is elongated and positioned between the head and the base.
Moreover, similar to the other metatarsal bones, the shaft of the fourth metatarsal bone functions as a point of attachment for the interossei muscle.
References
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Text written by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2023 IMAIOS.
Drake, R.L., Vogl, A.W. and Mitchell, A.W.M. (2009). ‘Chapter 6: Lower Limb’ in Gray’s anatomy for Students. (2nd ed.) Philadelphia PA 19103-2899: Elsevier, pp. 604.
