Third metatarsal bone
Os tertium metatarsi
Definition
There are 5 metatarsal bones in the foot, ordered from medial to lateral. The third metatarsal bone corresponds to the third toe.
Similar to the other metatarsals, the third metatarsal bone consists of a head, a body or shaft, and a base. The head faces distally and connects with the proximal phalanx in the respective digit or toe. The base is wedge-shaped, obliquely directed from medial to lateral, and connects with the distal tarsal bone(s). The base also connects laterally and medially with the bases of the fourth and the second metatarsal bones, respectively. The body (a.k.a. the shaft) is elongated and lies between the head and the base.
Like all other metatarsal bones, the shaft of the third metatarsal bone serves as an attachment site 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.
