METATARSAL BONES ANATOMY

GENERAL STRUCTURE

The metatarsal bones consist of five long bones numbered from the medial side of your foot. They form the framework of your midfoot and play a key role in weight distribution and foot mobility.

General Characteristics

What are the metatarsal bones?

• Five bones extending from the tarsal bones to the phalanges
• Each bone consists of:
  • Body (shaft)
  • Base (proximal end)
  • Head (distal end)
• Numbered I-V from medial to lateral
• Essential for your locomotion and balance

FIRST METATARSAL BONE

The first metatarsal bone is the shortest and thickest of the metatarsal bones. It bears the greatest amount of your body weight during standing and walking.

Body

What is the body of the first metatarsal?

• Strong and prismoid in form
• Designed to bear significant weight
• More robust than other metatarsal bodies

Base

What is the base of the first metatarsal?

• Articulates mainly with the medial cuneiform bone
• Large and kidney-shaped articular surface

Tuberosity of First Metatarsal

What is the tuberosity of the first metatarsal?

• Located at the plantar angle of the base
• Rough, oval prominence
• Provides insertion for the tendon of the Peroneus longus muscle

SECOND METATARSAL BONE

The second metatarsal bone is the longest of the metatarsal bones. It is firmly anchored between the cuneiform bones, contributing to the stability of your foot.

Base

What is the base of the second metatarsal?

• Features four articular facets:
  • One for the second cuneiform bone
  • Two for the third metatarsal bone
  • One for the first cuneiform bone
• Wedged between the first and third cuneiforms
• Most stable of all metatarsal bases

THIRD METATARSAL BONE

The third metatarsal bone has a triangular base and articulates with the third cuneiform bone proximally.

Base

What is the base of the third metatarsal?

• Triangular in shape
• Articulates proximally with the third cuneiform bone
• Two facets on the base for articulation with:
  • Second metatarsal bone
  • Fourth metatarsal bone

FOURTH METATARSAL BONE

The fourth metatarsal bone is smaller than the third metatarsal bone and articulates with your cuboid bone.

Base

What is the base of the fourth metatarsal?

• Has an oblique, quadrilateral facet
• Articulates with the cuboid bone
• Additional facets for adjacent metatarsals

FIFTH METATARSAL BONE

The fifth metatarsal bone is recognized by a rough eminence, the tuberosity, on the lateral side of its base.

Tuberosity of Fifth Metatarsal

What is the tuberosity of the fifth metatarsal?

• Prominent, rough eminence
• Located on the lateral side of the base
• Provides attachment for the tendon of the Peroneus brevis muscle
• Easily palpable landmark on your lateral foot
• Common site of avulsion fractures

METATARSAL BONE ANATOMY

Each metatarsal bone shares a common structural pattern consisting of a base, body, and head, although specific features vary among the five bones.

Base of Metatarsal Bones

What is the base of a metatarsal bone?

• The proximal end of each metatarsal
• Articulates with:
  • Tarsal bones
  • Adjacent (contiguous) metatarsal bones
• Facilitates your foot stability and movement
• Wedge-shaped to interlock with neighboring bones

Body of Metatarsal Bones

What is the body of a metatarsal bone?

• Prismoid in shape
• Tapers from the wider base to the narrower head
• Slightly convex longitudinally on the dorsal aspect
• Provides attachment for interosseous muscles

Head of Metatarsal Bones

What is the head of a metatarsal bone?

• The distal end of each metatarsal
• Articulates with the proximal phalanx of the corresponding toe
• Features a convex articular surface on the plantar side
• Allows smooth joint movement during your toe flexion and extension
• Forms the ball of your foot