386 



THE ARTICULATIONS 



small synovial membrane is sometimes found between the contiguous surfaces of the 

 navicular and cuboid bones. 



Nerve-supply. The nerves supplying the tarso-metatarsal joints are derived 

 from the anterior tibial. 



The digital extremities of all the metatarsal bones are connected together by 

 the transverse metatarsal ligament. 



The Transverse Metatarsal Ligament is a narrow fibrous band which passes 

 transverselv across the anterior extremities of all the metatarsal bones, connecting 



FIG. 267. Oblique section of the articulations of the tarsus and metatarsus. Showing the six synovial 

 membranes. 



them together. It is blended anteriorly with the plantar (glenoid) ligament of 

 the metatarso-phalangeal articulations. To its posterior border is connected the 

 fascia covering the Interossei muscles. Its superficial surface is concave where 

 the Flexor tendons pass over it. Beneath it the tendons of the Interossei muscles 

 pass to their insertion. It differs from the transverse metacarpal ligament in that 

 it connects the metatarsal bone of the great toe with the rest of the metatarsal 

 bones. 



VII. Metatarso-phalangeal Articulations. 



The metatarso-phalangeal articulations are of the condyloid kind, formed by the 

 reception of the rounded head of the metatarsal bone into a superficial cavity in the 

 extremity of the first phalanx. 



The ligaments are 



Plantar. Two Lateral. 



The Plantar Ligaments (Glenoid ligaments of Cruveilhier) are thick, dense, 

 fibrous structures. Each is placed on the plantar surface of the joint in the 

 interval between the lateral ligaments, to which they are connected ; they are 

 loosely united to the metatarsal bone, but very firmly to the base of the first 

 phalanges. Their plantar surface is intimately blended with the transverse meta- 

 tarsal ligament, and presents a groove for the passage of the Flexor tendons, the 

 sheath surrounding which is connected to each side of the groove. By their deep 

 surface they form part of the articular surface for the head of the metatarsal bone, 

 and are lined by a synovial membrane. 



The Lateral Ligaments are strong, rounded cords, placed one on each side of the 

 joint, each being attached, by one extremity, to the posterior tubercle on the side of 

 the head of the metatarsal bone ; and, by the other, to the contiguous extremity of 

 the phalanx. 



The Posterior Ligament is supplied by the extensor tendon placed over the back 

 of the joint. 



Actions. The movements permitted in the metatarso-phalangeal articulations 

 are flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction. 



