TALUS ANATOMY
Talus - 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 talus is the second-largest tarsal bone, supporting your tibia and resting on the calcaneus. It articulates with the navicular bone in front and the malleoli on either side, forming a crucial part of your ankle joint. Structurally, the talus is divided into four parts: the head, neck, body, and trochlea.
Head
What is the head of the talus?
- Directed forwards and medialwards
- Articulates with the navicular bone
- Contains multiple articular surfaces on the plantar surface
Neck
What is the neck of the talus?
- Constricted part connecting the head with the body
- Rough dorsal and medial surfaces perforated by foramina for vessels
- Contains the sulcus tali on its plantar surface
Body
What is the body of the talus?
- Cuboidal posterior part of the bone
- Features the trochlea on its dorsal surface
- Articulates with your tibia and fibula
Trochlea
What is the trochlea of the talus?
- Articular eminence on the dorsal surface of the body
- Broader in front than behind
- Articulates with the tibia
HEAD OF TALUS
Head of the Talus, Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.
The head of the talus is directed forwards and medialwards, with its anterior surface articulating with the concavity of the navicular bone. It contributes significantly to your foot's tarsal structure. The plantar surface of the head contains three articular areas, enhancing its role in joint articulation and foot stability.
Navicular Articular Surface
What is the navicular articular surface?
- Located on the anterior surface of the talus head
- Articulates with the navicular bone
- Oval and convex in shape
- Aligns with the concave surface of the navicular bone
Facet for the Plantar Calcaneonavicular Ligament
What is the plantar calcaneonavicular ligament facet?
- Located on the medial aspect of the talus
- Supports the inferior calcaneonavicular ligament
- Helps stabilize your foot's arch
Anterior Facet for the Calcaneus
What is the anterior calcaneal facet?
- Located on the plantar surface of the talus
- Quadrilateral or irregularly oval in shape
- Articulates with the anterior part of the calcaneus
Neck of Talus
What are the features of the neck of the talus?
- Constricted part connecting the head with the body
- Dorsal and medial surfaces:
- Rough and perforated by foramina for vessels
- Dorsal surface provides attachment to the talonavicular ligament
Sulcus Tali
What is the sulcus tali?
- Deep groove on the plantar surface of the talus
- Wide in front, narrow behind
- Directed forwards and lateralwards
- Forms the sinus tarsi (with the sulcus calcanei):
- Sinus tarsi is filled with the interosseous talocalcaneal ligament
BODY OF TALUS
Body of the Talus, Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.
The body of the talus is the cuboidal posterior part of the bone. Its dorsal surface features the trochlea, which articulates with your tibia and fibula. The lateral surface provides an attachment site for the anterior talofibular ligament, while the posterior surface is traversed by a sulcus that accommodates the tendon of your flexor hallucis longus.
Trochlea
What is the trochlea?
- Articular eminence on the dorsal surface
- Articulates with your tibia
- Broader in front than behind
- Convex front to back, slightly concave side to side
Superior Facet
What is the superior facet?
- Located on the dorsal surface of the trochlea
- Articulates with your tibia
- Forms the upper surface of your ankle joint
Lateral Malleolar Facet
What is the lateral malleolar facet?
- Located on the trochlea of the talus
- Articulates with the lateral malleolus of your fibula
- Contributes to lateral stability of your ankle joint
Lateral Process
What is the lateral process?
- Rough, triangular eminence on the lateral side of the talus
- Attachment point for the lateral talocalcaneal ligament
- Stabilizes your subtalar joint
Medial Malleolar Facet
What is the medial malleolar facet?
- Located on the medial aspect of the trochlea
- Articulates with the medial malleolus of your tibia
- Contributes to medial stability of your ankle joint
Posterior Process
What is the posterior process?
- Extends backward from the talus
- Traversed by a sulcus for the tendon of your Flexor hallucis longus
- Contains two tubercles:
- Lateral Tubercle - More prominent; attachment for the posterior talofibular ligament; when detached, referred to as the os trigonum
- Medial Tubercle - Attachment for the medial talocalcaneal ligament
Sulcus for the Tendon of Flexor Hallucis Longus
What is the sulcus for flexor hallucis longus?
- Located on the posterior process
- Allows passage of the tendon towards your big toe
Posterior Calcaneal Articular Facet
What is the posterior calcaneal articular facet?
- Located on the plantar surface of the talus body
- Large, oval-shaped facet
- Articulates with the calcaneus
- Forms part of the talocalcaneal joint
- Supports transfer of your body weight to your heel
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Henry G, Warren HL. Osteology. In: Anatomy of the Human Body. 20th ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 1918. p. 129–97.