192 



THE SKELETON 



The Talus 



The talus (or astragalus) (figs. 230, 231) is, next to the calcaneus, the largest 

 of the bones of the tarsus. Above it supports the tibia, below it rests on the cal- 

 caneus, at the sides it articulates with the two malleoli, and in front it is received 

 into the navicular. For descriptive purposes, it may be divided into a head, neck, 

 and body. 



Fig. 228. — The Left Foot. (Superior surface.) 



Tendo AchilUs 



Extensor digitorum brevis 



Extensor hallucis longus 



-Extensor digitorum brevis 



Peroneus brevis 



Peroneus tertius 



Metatarsus 



First phalanx 



Second phalanx 

 Third phalanx 



Extensor digitorum longus 



The body is somewhat (,uu<hihiteral in shape. The upper surface presents a broad, smooth 

 surface for tie tibia, slightly concave from side to side convex from before backward a^^ 

 wider in front than behind, ^i'he diminution m width posteriorly is associated with an obhquity 

 of the htorul margin, whicli is directed medially as well as backward and downward. The 

 nferior surface s occupied by a transversely disposed oblong facet [facies articulans calcanea 



