Metatarsal bones
Ossa metatarsi
- Latin synonym: Ossa metatarsea I - V
- Synonym: Metatarsals 1-5
- Related terms: Metatarsals [I-V]
Definition
There are 5 metatarsal bones in the foot, numbered from medial to lateral. The 1st metatarsal corresponds to the great toe and is the shortest and thickest, while the 2nd metatarsal is the longest.
Each metatarsal bone consists of a head, a body or shaft, and a base. The head faces distally and connects with the proximal phalanx of the respective digit or toe. The base is wedge-shaped, angled obliquely from medial to lateral, and articulates with the distal tarsal bone(s). The body, also known as the shaft, is elongated and located between the head and the base.
Please follow these links for further information on the head, body, and base of a metatarsal bone.
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.
