Metatarsal
The metatarsal bones (metatarsus) consist of 5 metatarsals (Ossa metatarsi I-V): The metatarsals are tubular bones and are connected to the toes at the front end by joints. They can be distinguished between base, corpus and caput.
Anatomy
The metatarsal bones are five tubular bones that form the metatarsus. They can basically be divided into three sections, the base, the shaft and the head. The base of the metatarsals have a wedge-shaped structure. The articular surface through which the bone articulates with the tarsal bones is concave in shape. The shaft has a triangular cross-section. One edge points to the plantar side and has a concave curvature. The head of the metatarsal bones is convex. The five metatarsals are arranged in an arch. The arch of the foot is formed by this arch. For the anatomically correct designation, the metatarsal bones are numbered from medial to lateral. The metatarsal bone, which is connected to the big toe, has the name Os metatarsale I. The small toe is therefore called Os metatarsale V. The spaces between the metatarsals are called intermetatarsal spaces.
The Os metatarsale I is the big toe. It is the metatarsal bone with the largest diameter. It has a bony protrusion at its base. This is called Tuberositas ossis metatarsalis I.
The base of the Os memetarsale I articulates with the Os cuneiforme mediale. The head carries the phalanx proximalis I. The base of the Os metatarsalis II articulates with the Os cuneiforme intermedium. The Os metatarsale III on the other hand articulates with the Os cuneiforme laterale. Both the Os metatarsale IV and the Os metatarsale V have a connection to the Os cuboideum at the base. The Os metatarsale V has a lateral bony extension, the Tuberositas ossis metatarsalis V. The heads of the Ossa metatarsalia II-V carry the respective phalanx proximalis II-V.
Function
The metatarsal bones serve to form the metatarsal arch. Furthermore, the Os metatarsale I carries a great load during the rolling movement of the foot.
Entwicklung
Der Beginn der Verknöcherung liegt im zweiten bis dritten Fetalmonat. Die vollständige Verknöcherung tritt zwischen dem zweiten und vierten Lebensjahr ein.
