Tarsal bones

Ossa tarsi

e-Anatomy - Lower extremity - Illustrations - Bones of lower limb - Tarsal bones
  • Latin synonym: Ossa tarsea

Definition

The foot consists of seven tarsal bones, arranged in two rows: the proximal and distal rows.

  • The proximal row comprises the talus (above) and calcaneus (below), forming the hindfoot.

  • The distal row forms the midfoot and consists of four tarsal bones: the cuboid, lateral cuneiform, intermediate cuneiform, and medial cuneiform bones (from lateral to medial). In addition, the navicular bone, located between the calcaneum and the three cuneiform bones, is considered the fifth tarsal bone of the midfoot (link).

These tarsal bones are sturdy structures that provide support and help distribute the body weight.

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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.604-616.

  • MacGregor, R. and Byerly, D.W. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb: Foot Bones. [Updated 2022 May 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557447/


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Comparative anatomy in animals

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