METATARSUS, 



anterior surface has two smooth divisions for articulating 

 with the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones ; its posterior is 

 smooth and concave to articulate with the os calcis. 



It articulates with the os calcis, naviculare, external cune- 

 iform, and two external metatarsal bones. 



The cuneiform bones (Fig. 243) are situated on the ante- 

 rior portion of the tarsus, and are wedge-shaped. The 

 internal is the largest, and is articulated in front and to 

 the outside to the middle cuneiform, and to the first and 

 second metatarsal bones ; behind it articulates with the 

 naviculare, and below it gives attachment to the tendon of 

 the tibialis posticus. The middle cuneiform is situated 

 between the other two, is the smallest, and articulates also 

 with the. naviculare behind, and the second metatarsal in 

 front. The external cuneiform is next to the cuboid, and 

 articulates in front with the third metatarsal bone, behind 

 with the naviculare, on the inside with the middle cunei- 

 form, and on the outside with the cuboid. 



The tarsus is developed by a single point for each bone, 

 and ossification has been observed in the following order: 

 in the sixth month in the calcis, seventh month in the 

 astragalus, tenth month in the cuboid, first year in the 

 external cuneiform, third year in the internal cuneiform, 

 fourth year in the middle cuneiform and naviculare. 



METATARSUS, (Fig. 243.) 



The metatarsal bones are five in number. 



The first corresponds to the great toe, and is the shortest 

 and thickest. It is convex above and concave below. Its 

 anterior extremity is round and smooth for articulating 

 with the first phalanx of the great toe ; its posterior 

 extremity is concave^ to articulate with the internal cunei- 

 form bone. The second metatarsal bone is the longest, and 

 articulates at its upper extremity with the three cuneiform 

 bones ; its lower extremity articulates with the first pha- 

 lanx of the second toe. The third metatarsal bone is shorter 

 than the second, and articulates at its tarsal extremity 

 with the third cuneiform, and by its sides at this extremity 



