METATARSO-FHALANGEAL ARTICULATIONS. 



157 



Fig. 76.* 



The dorsal ligaments connect the metatarsal to the tarsal bones, 

 and the metatarsal bones with each other. The precise arrangement 

 of these ligaments is of little importance, but it may be remarked, 

 that the base of the second metatarsal bone, articulating with the 

 three cuneiform bones receives a ligamentous slip from each, while the 

 rest articulating with a single tarsal bone receive only a single tarsal 

 slip. 



The plantar ligaments have the same disposition on the plantar 

 surface. 



The interosseous ligaments are situated 

 between the bases of the metatarsal bones 

 of the four lesser toes ; and also between 

 the bases of the second and third metatarsal 

 bones, and the internal and external cunei- 

 form bones. 



The metatarsal bone of the second toe is 

 implanted by its base between the internal 

 and external cuneiform bones, and is the 

 most strongly articulated of all the meta- 

 tarsal bones. This disposition must be 

 recollected in amputation at the tarso-meta- 

 tarsal articulation. 



The synovial membranes of this articula- 

 tion are three in number : one for the meta- 

 tarsal bone of the great toe; one for the 

 second and third metatarsal bones, which is 

 continuous with the great tarsal synovial 

 membrane ; and one for the fourth and fifth 

 metatarsal bones. 



Actions. The movements of the meta- 

 tarsal bones upon the tarsal, and upon each 

 other are very slight ; they are such only 

 as contribute to the strength of the foot 

 by permitting of a certain degree of yield- 

 ing to opposing forces. 



7. Metatarso-phalangeal Articulation. 

 The ligaments of this articulation, like those of the articulation be- 

 tween the first phalanges and metacarpal bones of the hand, are, 



* The ligaments of the sole of the foot. 1. The os calcis. 2. The astra- 

 galus. 3. The tuberosity of the scaphoid bone. 4. The long calcaneo-cuboid 

 ligament. 5. Part of the short calcaneo-cuboid ligament. 6. The calcaneo- 

 scaphoid ligament. 7- The plantar tarsal ligaments. 8, 8. The tendon of the 

 peroneus longus muscle. 9, 9. Plantar tarso-metatarsal ligaments. 10. Plan- 

 tar ligament of the metatarso-phalangeal articulation of the great toe ; the 

 same ligament is seen upon the other toes. 11. Lateral ligaments of the 

 metatarso-phalangeal articulation. 12. Transverse ligament. 13. The lateral 

 ligaments of the phalanges of the great toe ; the same ligaments are seen upon 

 the other toes. 



