Second metatarsal bone

Os secondum metatarsi

Definition

There are 5 metatarsal bones in the foot, arranged from inner to outer. The second metatarsal bone corresponds to the second toe and is the among all metatarsals.

The second metatarsal bone, similar to other metatarsals, consists of a head, a body or shaft, and a base. The head points distally and connects with the proximal phalanx in the corresponding digit or toe. The base is wedge-shaped, slanting from medial to lateral, and connects with the distal tarsal bone(s). It also connects laterally with the base of the third metatarsal bone and medially with the base of the first metatarsal bone (distally) and the medial cuneiform bone (proximally). The body (also known as the shaft) is elongated and lies between the head and the base.

Like the other metatarsal bones, the shaft of the second metatarsal bone provides 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.

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