HEEL BONE Meaning and
Definition
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The Heel Bone, also known as the Calcaneus, is a large bone located in the foot that forms the prominent posterior part of the heel. It is one of the tarsal bones and plays a crucial role in weight-bearing and locomotion.
Anatomically, the Heel Bone is situated beneath the Talus bone, forming the posterior part of the subtalar joint, which allows for movement and stability in the foot. It connects the foot to the lower leg through the Achilles tendon, the largest tendon in the body. Distally, it articulates with the Cuboid and the lateral cuneiform bones, contributing to the structure and stability of the mid-foot.
The Heel Bone's shape is distinctly unique, characterized by a convex-shaped posterior facet that forms the heel projection, known as the calcaneal tuberosity or the "bump" at the back of the foot. This prominence serves as an attachment site for the Achilles tendon, enabling the muscle contraction necessary for various movements such as walking, running, and jumping.
Among its functions, the Heel Bone absorbs most of the forces exerted during weight-bearing activities, distributing the impact throughout the foot, reducing stress on other structures. It also provides support and stability to the foot, aiding in balance and absorption of shock. Pathologies involving the Heel Bone, such as fractures, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis, can significantly impact mobility and cause discomfort, requiring medical attention and treatment.
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Os calcis, calcaneum, calcaneus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HEEL BONE
- geel bone
- beel bone
- neel bone
- jeel bone
- ueel bone
- yeel bone
- hwel bone
- hsel bone
- hdel bone
- hrel bone
- h4el bone
- h3el bone
- hewl bone
- hesl bone
- hedl bone
- herl bone
- he4l bone
- he3l bone
- heel boone
Etymology of HEEL BONE
The word "heel" comes from the Old English word "hēla", which means "heel of the foot" or "back of the foot". It can be traced back to Proto-Germanic "hailōn" and further to the Proto-Indo-European root "*kóley" meaning "heel" or "bone". "Bone", on the other hand, comes from the Old English word "bān" and shares common Germanic roots with many other languages, such as German "Bein" and Dutch "been". So, the etymology of "heel bone" can be understood as the combination of "heel" meaning the back of the foot and "bone" referring to the skeletal structure.
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