Metatarsals

Metatarsals are a group of five long bones in the foot, located between the tarsal bones of the hind- and mid-foot and the phalanges of the toes. Lacking individual names, they are numbered from the medial side (side of big toe): the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth metatarsal (often depicted with Roman numerals).

Anatomy

The metatarsals are analogous to the metacarpal bones of the hand. The lengths of the metatarsals are relatively constant between individuals; their relative lengths are thought to be best correlated with the height of the arch of the foot.

First metatarsal

The first metatarsal bone is the shortest and most robust of the metatarsals. It has two surfaces: four borders, and two extremities.

Second metatarsal

The second metatarsal bone is the longest of the metatarsal bones, being prolonged backward into the recess formed by the three cuneiform bones.

Third metatarsal

The third metatarsal bone, the smallest of the five, is a little larger than the fourth.

Fourth metatarsal

The fourth metatarsal bone is smaller in size than the third.

Fifth metatarsal

The fifth metatarsal bone is recognized by a rough eminence, the tuberosity, on the lateral side of its base.

Clinical significance

Injuries to the metatarsal bones are common and can be either acute or chronic, the latter due to repetitive overuse.

See also

• Foot
• Bone
• Human skeleton

References

Metatarsals Resources
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