Bones of the foot
Learning objectives
After completing this study unit you will be able to:
- Recognize the 3 groups of bones of the foot.
- List the 26 bones of the foot.
- Name the main joints formed by the bones of the foot.
Watch videos
The human foot contains 26 bones that are divided into 3 groups. The tarsal bones are the most proximal ones, consisting of 7 irregularly shaped bones homologous to the carpal bones of the hand. Next are the metatarsal bones which are 5 long bones that are equivalent to the metacarpals of the hand. Lastly, we have the phalanges of the foot that form the toes in an identical manner that the phalanges of the hand form the fingers. The lateral four toes are made up of three phalanges (proximal, middle, and distal), while the great toe consists of only two phalanges (proximal and distal).
The foot is also traditionally divided into 3 regions; the hindfoot, midfoot and forefoot. The tarsal bones are contained in the hindfoot and midfoot, while the metatarsals and phalanges lie in the forefoot.
Check out the video below to find more about the bones and joints of the foot.
Take a quiz
That was a lot of information! Test your knowledge on the bones of the foot with the quiz below.
You can also customize your own quiz to be tested on some more topics other than the bones of the foot. For example, the following quiz covers bones, muscles, ligaments and neurovascular structures of both the ankle and foot.
Download the following PDF worksheets and identify the bones of the foot.
Browse atlas
Take a closer look at the bones of the foot in the gallery below.
Summary
Bones |
Tarsal bones: Talus, calcaneus, navicular, medial cuneiform, intermediate cuneiform, lateral cuneiform, cuboid Metatarsal bones: Metatarsal bone I-V Phalanges of foot: Proximal, middle and distal phalanx (toes II-V); proximal and distal phalanx (toe I) |
Joints |
Talocrural joint: Talus + tibia + fibula Subtalar joint: Talus + calcaneus Calcaneocuboid joint: Calcaneus + cuboid Talonavicular joint: Talus + navicular bone Tarsometatarsal joints: Medial, intermediate and lateral cuneiform + metatarsal bones Metatarsophalangeal joints: Metatarsal bones + proximal phalanges Proximal interphalangeal joints: Proximal phalanges + middle phalanges Distal interphalangeal joints: Middle phalanges + distal phalanges |