Pronunciation: [mˌɛtətˈɑːs] (IPA) 
The word "Metatarse" is spelled with only one "r" despite the pronunciation being "metataRse" with two r's. This is due to the silent "e" at the end of the word, which changes the pronunciation of the "a" to a long "a" sound. Therefore, the correct spelling is "Metatarse" with the IPA phonetic transcription being /mɛtəˈtɑrs/. This anatomical term refers to the bones in the middle part of the foot that connect the toes to the ankle.
Metatarses are a part of the skeletal system, specifically referring to the bones found in the feet of humans and other vertebrate animals. More specifically, the metatarses are a group of five long bones located between the tarsal bones of the foot and the phalanges of the toes.
Typically, an average adult has a pair of metatarses in each foot, forming the base of the toes and providing support and movement during walking, running, and other weight-bearing activities. The metatarses are numbered from medial to lateral, with the first metatarsal bone being the largest and thickest, connecting to the big toe, followed by the second, third, fourth, and fifth metatarsal bones.
The metatarses play a vital role in ensuring balance, stability, and weight distribution during movement and are essential for maintaining proper posture and overall foot function. They are highly durable bones that are densely structured to withstand considerable forces and impacts while providing a stable platform for propulsion and weight transfer. As a result, injuries to the metatarsal bones can occur due to excessive stress, repetitive motion, fractures, or trauma.
In summary, metatarses are the long bones located in the feet, connecting the tarsal bones to the phalanges. They play a crucial role in the overall structure, support, and movement of the foot, and are essential for various weight-bearing activities.
The word "metatarse" comes from the combination of two Greek roots, "meta" meaning "beyond" or "between", and "tarsos" which refers to the ankle or the instep. In anatomy, the term "metatarsus" refers to the part of the foot that connects the toes to the ankle. The English word "metatarse" is directly borrowed from the French "métatarse", which is derived from the Latin "metatarsus". The term has been used in English since the mid-19th century to describe the group of bones in the foot between the tarsal bones and the phalanges.
