METATARSAL BONE Meaning and
Definition
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The metatarsal bone is a long bone found in the human foot, specifically in the metatarsus region. It is situated between the tarsal bones of the hindfoot and the phalanges bones of the toes. There are five metatarsal bones in each foot, numbered from one to five, starting from the big toe.
These bones are tubular in shape, curved along their length, and feature various structural landmarks. At the proximal end, each metatarsal bone articulates with the tarsal bones forming the tarsometatarsal joints. Towards the distal ends, the metatarsal bones articulate with the proximal phalanges, forming the metatarsophalangeal joints.
The primary function of the metatarsal bones is to provide support and stability to the foot during walking, running, and standing. They absorb and distribute the forces that are exerted on the foot, playing a crucial role in maintaining balance and enabling locomotion.
Injuries to the metatarsal bones are common and can range from mild strains and sprains to fractures. These injuries are often caused by excessive stress or trauma to the foot, such as landing improperly while jumping or engaging in high-impact activities. The severity of metatarsal bone injuries varies and may require different treatments depending on the extent and nature of the injury.
Common Misspellings for METATARSAL BONE
- netatarsal bone
- ketatarsal bone
- jetatarsal bone
- mwtatarsal bone
- mstatarsal bone
- mdtatarsal bone
- mrtatarsal bone
- m4tatarsal bone
- m3tatarsal bone
- meratarsal bone
- mefatarsal bone
- megatarsal bone
- meyatarsal bone
- me6atarsal bone
- me5atarsal bone
- metztarsal bone
- metstarsal bone
- metwtarsal bone
- metqtarsal bone
- metararsal bone
Etymology of METATARSAL BONE
The word "metatarsal" has its origins in the Latin language. It is derived from the combination of two words: "meta" meaning "beyond" or "after", and "tarsus" referring to the ankle or the foot. "Meta" comes from the Greek word "metá", which has a similar meaning of "beyond" or "after". When combined, "meta" and "tarsus" describe the bones that are located beyond or after the tarsus, hence "metatarsal bones". These are the long bones found in the middle region of the foot, between the tarsal bones and the phalanges (toe bones).
