CUNEIFORM BONES ANATOMY
Cuneiform Bones - General Structure, Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL STRUCTURE
The cuneiform bones are three wedge-shaped bones located in the medial part of the tarsus. They contribute to the structure and stability of your foot's arch. The cuneiforms are named according to their relative positions: medial, intermediate, and lateral.
Location
Where are the cuneiform bones located?
- Situated in the medial part of your tarsus
- Positioned between the navicular bone posteriorly and the first three metatarsals anteriorly
- Arranged side by side in the distal row of tarsal bones
Function
What do the cuneiform bones do?
- Contribute to the transverse arch of your foot
- Provide structural support for your weight distribution
- Allow for limited movement between tarsal bones
MEDIAL CUNEIFORM
Cuneiform Bones - Isolated View, Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.
The medial cuneiform is the largest of the cuneiform bones. It is situated at the medial side of your foot and plays a crucial role in forming your medial longitudinal arch.
Size and Shape
What is the size and shape of the medial cuneiform?
- Largest of the three cuneiform bones
- Wedge-shaped with the apex directed downward
- Located on the medial side of your foot
Articulations
What does the medial cuneiform articulate with?
- Articulates with the navicular bone posteriorly (behind)
- Articulates with the base of the first metatarsal bone anteriorly (in front)
- Articulates with the intermediate cuneiform laterally
- May articulate with the base of the second metatarsal
Muscle Attachments
What muscles attach to the medial cuneiform?
- Tibialis anterior - inserts on the medial and plantar surfaces
- Tibialis posterior - partial insertion
- Peroneus longus - inserts on the lateral aspect
INTERMEDIATE CUNEIFORM
The intermediate cuneiform is the smallest of the cuneiform bones. It is situated between the medial and lateral cuneiform bones.
Size and Shape
What is the size and shape of the intermediate cuneiform?
- Smallest of the three cuneiform bones
- Wedge-shaped with the apex directed downward
- Shorter than the medial and lateral cuneiforms
Articulations
What does the intermediate cuneiform articulate with?
- Articulates with the navicular bone posteriorly (behind)
- Articulates with the second metatarsal bone anteriorly (in front)
- Articulates with the medial cuneiform on one side
- Articulates with the lateral cuneiform on the other side
Position
Why is the intermediate cuneiform recessed?
- Recessed relative to its neighbors, creating a mortise for the second metatarsal
- This arrangement provides stability to your tarsometatarsal joint
LATERAL CUNEIFORM
The lateral cuneiform is intermediate in size between the medial and intermediate cuneiform bones. It is located between the intermediate cuneiform and the cuboid bone.
Size and Shape
What is the size and shape of the lateral cuneiform?
- Intermediate in size between medial and intermediate cuneiforms
- Wedge-shaped with the apex directed downward
- Located on the lateral aspect of the cuneiform group
Articulations
What does the lateral cuneiform articulate with?
- Articulates with the navicular bone posteriorly (behind)
- Articulates with the third metatarsal bone anteriorly (in front)
- Articulates with the intermediate cuneiform medially
- Articulates with the cuboid bone laterally
Muscle Attachments
What muscles attach to the lateral cuneiform?
- Tibialis posterior - partial insertion
- Flexor hallucis brevis - may have partial origin
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Henry G, Warren HL. Osteology. In: Anatomy of the Human Body. 20th ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 1918. p. 129–97.