Longitudinal arch of foot
Arcus longitudinalis pedis
Definition
The longitudinal arch of foot extends anteroposteriorly, giving the foot a domed shape. When placing the foot on the ground, it does not lie flat but instead rises from the ground. It consists of two sub-parts: medial and lateral.
Along with the longitudinal arch, there are transverse arches that also contribute to the domed appearance of the foot bones. These include the proximal and distal transverse arches.
The arches play a role in weight-bearing, maintaining an upright posture, and facilitating activities such as walking, running, and jumping.
The lateral part of the longitudinal arch is lower as compared to the medial part. It is less mobile and bears the weight transmitted to the ground. On the other hand, the medial part of the longitudinal arch of foot is higher, more flexible, and resilient, serving as an effective shock absorber for body weight. For more information, please refer to the following links:
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. 614-615.
Chauhan, H.M. and Taqi, M. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb: Arches of the Foot. [Updated 2022 Nov 9]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK587361/
