THE MET A TARSOPHA LANGEAL AR TICULA TIONS 353 



Synovial Membrane. The synovial membrane between the second and third and the third 

 and fourth metatarsal bones is part of the great tarsal synovial membrane. The svnovial mem- 

 brane between the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones is a prolongation of the synovial membrane 

 of the cubometatarsal joint (Fig. 280). 



Movements.- The movement permitted in the tarsal ends of the metatarsal bones is limited 

 to a slight gliding of the articular surfaces upon one another. 



The Synovial Membranes in the Tarsal and Metatarsal Joints. The synovial mem- 

 branes (Fig. 280) found in the articulations of the tarsus and metatarsus are six in number 

 onr for the posterior calcaneo-astragaloid articulation; a second for the anterior calcaneo-astrag- 

 aloid and astragaloscaphoid articulations; a third for the calcaneocuboid articulation; and a 

 fourth for the articulations of the scaphoid with the three cuneiform, the three cuneiform 

 with each other, the external cuneiform with the cuboid, and the middle and external cunei- 

 form with the bases of the second and third metatarsal bones, and the lateral surfaces of the 

 second, third, and fourth metatarsal bones with each other. The fifth synovial membrane is 

 found in the articulation of the internal cuneiform with the metatarsal bone of the great toe; and 

 there i.s a xi.rth for the articulation of the cuboid with the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones. A 

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

 and cuboid bones. 



Nerve Supply. The nerves supplying the tarsometatarsal joints are derived from the 

 anterior tibial. 



FIG. 280. Oblique section of the articulations of tarsus and metatarsus. Showing the six synovial membranes. 



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

 metatarsal ligament. 



The transverse metatarsal ligament is a narrow fibrous band which passes 

 transversely across the anterior extremities of all the metatarsal bones, con- 

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

 each metatarsophalangeal articulation. To its posterior border is connected 

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

 the Flexor tendons pass over it. Above 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 meta- 

 tarsal bones. 



VIII. The Metatarsophalangeal Articulations (Articulationes Metatarso- 



phalangeae) . 



The metatarsophalangeal articulations are of the condyloid variety, formed by 

 the reception of the rounded heads of the metatarsal bones into shallow cavities 

 in the extremities of the first phalanges. Each joint has a capsule and certain 

 other ligaments. These ligaments are: 



Plantar. Two Lateral. 



