352 THE ARTICULATIONS, OR JOINTS 



bones; the third metatarsal articulates with the extremity of the external cunei- 

 form; the fourth, with the cuboid and external cuneiform; and the fifth, with 

 the cuboid. The articular surfaces are covered by hyaline cartilage, lined with 

 synovial membrane, and interconnected by capsules and by the following liga- 

 ments: 



Dorsal. Plantar. Interosseous. 



The dorsal ligaments (ligamenta tarsometatarsea dorsalia) consist of strong, 

 flat, fibrous bands, which connect the tarsal with the metatarsal bones. The 

 first metatarsal is connected to the internal cuneiform by a single broad, thin, 

 fibrous band; the second has three dorsal ligaments, one from each cuneiform 

 bone; the third has one from the external cuneiform; the fourth has two, one 

 from the external cuneiform and one from the cuboid; and the fifth, one from 

 the cuboid. 



The plantar ligaments (ligamenta tarsometatarsea plautaria') consist of longi- 

 tudinal and oblique fibrous bands connecting the tarsal and metatarsal bones, 

 but disposed with less regularity than on the dorsal surface. Those for the first 

 and second metatarsal are the most strongly marked; the second and third 

 metatarsal receive strong fibrous bands which pass obliquely across from the 

 internal cuneiform; the plantar ligaments of the fourth and fifth metatarsal 

 consist of a few scanty fibres derived from the cuboid. 



The interosseous ligaments (ligamenta cuneometatarsea interossea) are three 

 in number internal, middle, and external. The internal one is the strongest 

 of the three, and passes from the outer extremity of the internal cuneiform to 

 the adjacent angle of the second metatarsal. The middle one, less strong than 

 the preceding, connects the external cuneiform with the adjacent angle of the 

 second metatarsal. The external interosseous ligament connects the outer angle 

 of the external cuneiform with the adjacent side of the third metatarsaL 



Synovial Membrane (Fig. 280). The synovial membrane between the internal cuneiform 

 bone and the first metatarsal bone is a distinct sac. The synovial membrane between the middle 

 and external cuneiform behind, and the second and third metatarsal bones in front, is part of the 

 great tarsal synovial membrane. Two prolongations are sent forward from it one between 

 the adjacent sides of the second and third metatarsal bones, and one between the third and 

 fourth metatarsal bones. The synovial membrane between the cuboid and the fourth and 

 fifth metatarsal bones is a distinct sac. From it a prolongation is sent forward between the fourth 

 and fifth metatarsal bones. 



Movements. The movements permitted between the tarsal and metatarsal bones are 

 limited to a slight gliding upon each other. 



VII. The Articulations of the Metatarsal Bones with Each Other 

 (Articulationes Intermetatarseae) (Figs. 276, 277). 



The base of the first metatarsal bone is not connected with the second meta- 

 tarsal bone by any ligaments; in this respect it resembles the thumb. 



The bases of the four outer metatarsal bones are connected by dorsal, plantar, 

 and interosseous ligaments. 



The dorsal ligaments (ligamenta basium [oss. metatars.] dorsalia') consist of 

 bands of fibrous tissue which pass transversely between the adjacent metatarsal 

 bones. 



The plantar ligaments (ligamenta basium [oss. metatars.] plantaria) have a 

 similar arrangement to those on the dorsum. 



The interosseous ligaments (ligamenta basium [oss. metatars.} interossea} con- 

 sist of strong transverse fibres which pass between the rough nonarticular portions 

 of the lateral surfaces. 



