TAR8O-METATARSAL ARTICULATIONS. 291 



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

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

 membrane, and connected together by the following ligaments : 



Dorsal. Plantar. Interosseous. 



The Dorsal Ligaments 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 consist of longitudinal 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 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. 



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. 



Actions. The movements permitted between the tarsal and metatarsal bones 

 are limited to a slight gliding upon each other. 



VII. Articulations of the Metatarsal Bones with Each Other. 



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 together by dorsal, 

 plantar, and interosseous ligaments. 



The Dorsal Ligaments consist of bands of fibrous tissue which pass transversely 

 between the adjacent metatarsal bones. 



The Plantar Ligaments have a similar arrangement to those on the dorsum. 



The Interosseous Ligaments consist of strong transverse fibres which pass between 

 the rough non-articular portions of the lateral surfaces. 



The Synovial Membrane between the second and third and the third and fourth 

 metatarsal bones is part of the great tarsal synovial membrane. 



The synovial membrane between the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones is a 

 prolongation of the synovial membrane of the cubo-metatarsal joint. 



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. 



THE SYNOVIAL MEMBRANES IN THE TARSAL AND METATARSAL JOINTS. 



The Synovial Membranes (Fig. 193) found in the articulations of the tarsus 

 and metatarsus are six in number : one for the posterior calcaneo-astragaloid 



