#Tarsals December 7

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For December 2023, several of us are participating in the “30-Day ANATOMY Coach4aday Challenge.” My choice today is the TARSALS

During this challenge, the participants select a bone or muscle in the human body, providing details about its location and physiological significance.

How the Challenge Works

1. Identify one anatomical part of the body.
2. Describe what its purpose is.
3. Describe where it is located.

Identify Your Choice

The tarsals are a set of seven irregularly shaped bones. They are named the calcaneus, talus, cuboid, navicular, and the medial, middle, and lateral cuneiforms.

Purpose

Tarsal bones, located in the foot, provide structural support and flexibility, facilitating various movements such as walking and running. They contribute to the formation of the ankle joint and help distribute weight during weight-bearing activities.

Location

The tarsal bones are located in the foot and are divided into three main groups: the hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot.

1. Hindfoot: The hindfoot consists of two tarsal bones – the talus and the calcaneus. The talus sits on top of the heel bone (calcaneus) and forms the lower part of the ankle joint.
2. Midfoot: The midfoot is composed of five tarsal bones – the navicular, cuboid, and three cuneiform bones (medial, intermediate, and lateral cuneiforms). These bones form the arches of the foot and contribute to its flexibility.
3. Forefoot: The forefoot includes the metatarsal bones and the phalanges (toe bones). The metatarsals connect to the midfoot, and the phalanges make up the toes.

You can find some diagrams at this link.