SEOTIOISi II. 



THE FUNCTIONS OF THE FOOT. 



A KNOWLEDGE of the structure of its separate parts is the key 

 to that of the functions of the foot as a whole. Only those 

 who have acquainted themselves with the anatomy of the 

 foot can thoroughly understand its action. In many parts of 

 the foot the function is immediately apparent from a study of 

 the formation, but in others close and careful consideration is 

 required. Thus it is at once apparent, on examining the bones 

 of the foot (fig. 11), or a longitudinal section (fig. 10), that the 

 bones form the basis for the attachment of other parts, and 

 may be regarded as the framework of the machine. The 

 relations of the bones, the connection of these by ligaments, 

 the form of contact of the surfaces, their smoothness, and the 

 presence of lubricating material between them, allow the bones 

 to move to and fro in certain definite directions with great 

 ease. Again, the resiliency of the articular cartilages of the 

 bones, the presence of several bones in one joint, their liga- 

 mentous attachments, and the angles which the joints form 

 with one another, not only admit of extensive movements in 

 certain planes, but of movements between the bones themselves, 

 which in a great measure nullify the effects of sudden shocks. 

 The elasticity of the plantar cushion and of the lateral carti- 

 lages is of even greater importance. The part played by these 

 structures and by the limb itself in neutralising concussion 

 will be considered later. 



The functions of the muscles, blood-vessels, and nerves are 

 less striking on mere anatomical examination. 



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