How Do You Spell NAVICULAR BONE?
Pronunciation: [navˈɪkjʊlə bˈə͡ʊn] (IPA) 
Pronunciation: [navˈɪkjʊlə bˈə͡ʊn] (IPA)
The navicular bone is a small, boat-shaped bone located in the foot, specifically in the ankle region. It is one of the tarsal bones, which are a group of bones found in the hindfoot. The navicular bone is situated on the medial side of the foot, between the talus bone and the cuneiform bones.
This bone is intricate in structure, with a smooth upper surface and a rougher, concave undersurface. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the arch of the foot while also providing stability and support during activities such as walking and running. It acts as a bridge between the talus bone and the three cuneiform bones, aiding in weight distribution.
The navicular bone also plays a significant role in a condition called navicular stress fracture. This occurs when repetitive stress or trauma causes tiny cracks in the bone, resulting in pain and discomfort. Athletes, especially runners, are prone to this injury due to the repetitive pounding of the foot on hard surfaces.
In summary, the navicular bone is a small and important bone found in the foot. It acts as a crucial link in the foot's structure, aiding in weight distribution and maintaining the foot's arch.
The word "navicular" is derived from the Latin word "navicula", meaning "small boat" or "skiff". The term "navicular bone" was used to describe the boat-shaped bone found in the human foot, specifically in the tarsal region. The Latin term "navicula" was used to describe this bone due to its resemblance to a small boat or canoe.
