Human Anatomy - Kotsan I. Y. 2009

Skeleton of the Lower Limb
Metatarsal Bones

The metatarsus consists of five Metatarsal bones (ossa metatarsi). The first metatarsal, corresponding to the great toe, is the thickest and shortest, whereas the second metatarsal is the longest. In shape, all metatarsal bones are classified as short tubular bones. Each of them comprises a base (basis), a body (corpus), and a HEAD (caput).

The bases of the metatarsal bones form their most massive portion. The posterior surfaces of the bases feature articular facets for articulation with the Tarsal Bones, while their lateral surfaces contain articular facets through which adjacent metatarsal bones articulate with one another. On the plantar surface of the Base of the first metatarsal bone lies the tuberosity of the first metatarsal bone (tuberositas ossis metatarsalis primi). Laterally, the base of the fifth metatarsal bone bears the tuberosity of the fifth metatarsal bone (tuberositas ossis metatarsalis quinti), to which the fibularis brevis Muscle attaches.

The bodies of the metatarsal bones are prismatic in shape, slightly curved dorsally, and separated from each other by narrow clefts known as the interosseous metatarsal spaces (spatia interossea metatarsi).

The heads of the metatarsal bones feature articular surfaces for articulation with the bases of the proximal Phalanges of the toes. On the plantar surface of the head of the first metatarsal bone, small smooth facets are located laterally and medially, against which the sesamoid bones rest.



Last update: 08/08/2026

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