orthopaedic doctors, albuquerque

Foot Anatomy and Physiology

Article by Elizabeth Quin | Found on VeryWell

The human foot is incredibly complex in its structure and function. This brief overview provides a basic understanding of foot anatomy and physiology as it relates to some of the more common sports injuries, such as fracturesankle sprains, and plantar fasciitis.

Foot Structure

The forefoot includes the five metatarsal bones, and the phalanges (the toes).

The first metatarsal bone is the shortest, thickest and plays an important role during propulsion (forward movement). It also provides attachment for several tendons. The second, third, and fourth metatarsal bones are the most stable of the metatarsals. They are well-protected and have only minor tendon attachments. They are not subjected to strong pulling forces.

Near the head of the first metatarsal, on the plantar surface of the foot, are two sesamoid bones (a small, oval-shaped bone which develops inside a tendon, where the tendon passes over a bony prominence) They are held in place by tendons and ligaments.

The midfoot includes five of the seven tarsal bones (the navicular, cuboid, and three cuneiforms). The distal row contains the three cuneiforms and the cuboid. The midfoot meets the forefoot at the five tarsometatarsal (TMT) joints. There are multiple joints within the midfoot itself.

Proximally, the three cuneiforms articulate with the navicular bone.

Two large bones, the talus, and the calcaneus make up the hindfoot. The calcaneus is the largest tarsal bone and forms the heel. The talus rests on top of it and forms the pivot of the ankle.

Foot and Toe Movement

Toe movements take place at the joints.

These joints are capable of motion in two directions: plantar flexion or dorsiflexion. In addition, the joints permit abduction and adduction of the toes.

The foot as a whole (excluding the toes) has two movements: inversion and eversion. All the joints of the hindfoot and midfoot contribute to these complex movements that are ordinarily are combined with movements at the ankle joint.

The Foot Arches


The foot has three arches. The medial longitudinal arch is the highest and most important of the three arches. It is composed of the calcaneus, talus, navicular, cuneiforms, and the first three metatarsals. The lateral longitudinal arch is lower and flatter than the medial arch. It is composed of the calcaneus, cuboid, and the fourth and fifth metatarsals. The transverse arch is composed of the cuneiforms, the cuboid, and the five metatarsal bases.

The arches of the foot are maintained by the shapes of the bones and by the ligaments.

Also, muscles and tendons play an important role in supporting the arches.

Muscles of the Foot

The muscles of the foot are classified as either intrinsic or extrinsic. The intrinsic muscles are located within the foot and cause movement of the toes. These muscles are flexors (plantar flexors), extensors (dorsiflexors), abductors, and adductors of the toes. Several intrinsic muscles also help support the arches of the foot.

The extrinsic muscles are located outside the foot, in the lower leg. The powerful gastrocnemius muscle (calf) is among them. They have long tendons that cross the ankle, to attach to the bones of the foot and assist in movement.

The talus, however, has no tendon attachments.

