METATARSO-PHALANGEAL ARTICULATION. 139 



The interosseous ligaments are situated between the bases of the 

 metatarsal bones of the four lesser toes, and also between the. base 

 of the second metatarsal bone, and the internal and external cunei- 

 form bone. 



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 metatarsal bones. This disposition 

 must be recollected in amputation at the tarso-metatarsal articula- 

 tion. 



The synovia! membranes of this articulation are three in number : 

 one for the metatarsal 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 metatarsal bones upon the tarsal, 

 and upon each other are very slight; they are such only as contri- 

 bute to the strength of the foot by permitting a certain degree of 

 yielding to opposing forces. 



7. Metatarso-phalangeal Articulation. The ligaments of this ar- 

 ticulation, like those of the articulation between the first phalanges 

 and metacarpal bones of the hand, are, 



Anterior or plantar, 

 Two lateral, 

 Transverse. 



The anterior or plantar ligaments are thick and fibro-cartilagi- 

 nous, and form part of the articulating surface of the joint. 



The lateral ligaments are short and very strong, and situated on 

 each side of the joints. 



The transverse ligaments are strong bands, which pass trans- 

 versely between the anterior ligaments. ' 



The expansion of the extensor tendon supplies the place of a dor- 

 sal ligament. 



Actions. The movements of the first phalanges upon the rounded 

 heads of the metatarsal bones, are flexion, extension, adduction and 

 abduction. 



8. Articulation of the Phalanges. The ligaments of the phalanges 

 are the same as those of the fingers, and have the same disposition; 

 their actions are also similar. They are, 



Anterior or plantar, 

 Two lateral. 



