54 



THE HUMAN BODY. 



The foot is composed of twenty-six bones, seven of which 

 constitute the tarsus, which articulates with the leg and 



Fig. 18. Skeleton of the foot. 



A. Internal malleolus, lower ex tr em- E. Cuboid, 

 ity of tibia. 



B. Astragalus. 



C. Calcaneum. 



D. Scaphoid. 



F. First metatarsal. 



G, H. First and second phalanx of the 

 great toe. 



corresponds to the carpus. Five bones form the metatarsus, 

 which corresponds to the metacarpus, and articulates with 

 the tarsus behind and with the toes in front. The foot is 

 narrow and thick in its posterior part, thinner and broader 

 anteriorly ; it forms a right angle with the leg, and rests upon 

 the ground at the extremities only. The middle portion is 

 in the form of an arch, and in consequence resists shocks 

 and supports pressure much better than it could if it were 

 flat and touched the ground throughout its whole length. 

 And although the parts are very firmly united together, there 

 is sufficient mobility to give great elasticity to the whole, and 

 this elasticity is augmented by the toes. The foot thus 

 supports the weight of the body like an arch and spring 

 combined, giving it in this way great advantage in resistance. 

 And lastly, in jumping from a height it extends itself 

 instinctively, and touches the earth first at its point only, so 

 as to break the shock. This distribution of force, which 

 results from the form and the elasticity of the foot, not only 



