METATARSO-PHALANGEAL OF THE PHALANGES. 313 



of the metatarsal bones are united by the transverse metatarsal ligament. It 

 connects the great toe with the rest of the metatarsal bones ; in this respect it 

 differs from the transverse ligament in the hand. 



Actions, The movement permitted in the tarsal ends of the metatarsal bones 

 is limited to a slight gliding of the articular surfaces upon one another ; con- 

 siderable motion, however, takes place in the digital extremities. 



VII. METATARSO-PHALANGEAL ARTICULATIONS. 



The heads of the metatarsal bones are connected with the concave articular 

 surfaces of the first phalanges by the following ligaments 



Plantar. Two Lateral. 



They are arranged precisely similar to the corresponding parts in the hand. 

 The expansion of the extensor tendon supplies the place of a dorsal ligament. 



Actions. The movements permitted in the metatarso-phalangeal articulations 

 are flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction. 



VIII. ARTICULATIONS OF THE PHALANGES. 



The ligaments of these articulations are similar to those found in the hand ; 

 each pair of phalanges being connected by an anterior or plantar and two lateral 

 ligaments, and their articular surfaces lined by synovial membrane. Their 

 actions are also similar. 



For further information on this subject, the student is referred to Cruveilhier's " Anatomie 

 Descriptive ;" to Dr. Humphry's work on the " Human Skeleton, including the Joints ;" and 

 to Arnold's " Tabulae Anatomicae," Fascic. 4. Pars 2. Icones Articulorum et Ligamentorum. 



