202 



THE SKELETON 



The second metatarsal (fig. 246) is the longest of the series. Its base is prolonged back- 

 ward to occupy the space between the first and third cuneiform, and accordingly it is marked 

 by facets for articulation with each of these bones. The tarsal surface is triangular in outline, 

 with the base above and apex below, and articulates with the second cuneiform bone. On the 

 tibial side of the base, near the upper angle, is a small facet for the first cuneiform, and occa- 



FiG. 248. — The Fourth (Left) Metatarsal. 



Facet for third metatarsal 



Tibial ^ 



Medial side 



Facet for third metatarsal 

 Facet for third cuneiform 



Fibular 



or 



lateral side 



Facet for fifth metatarsal 



•"iiijS^ 



sionally another for the first metatarsal a little lower down. The fibular side of the base pre- 

 sents an upper and a lower facet, separated by a non-articular depression, and each facet is 

 divided by a vertical ridge into two, thus making four in all. The two posterior facets articu- 

 late with the third cuneiform and the two anterior with the third metatarsal. The base gives 

 attachment to a slip of the tibialis posterior and the adductor hallucis obliquus, whilst from the 



Fig. 249. — The Fifth (Left) Metatarsal. 



Tibial 

 or 

 Medial side 



Fourth metatarsal 



Cuboid facet 



Fibular 



or 



lateral side 



-Tuberosity 



shaft the first and second dorsal interosseous muscles take origin. The nutrient foramen is 

 situated on the fibular side of the shaft near the middle and is directed toward the base of the 

 bone. 



The third metatarsal (fig. 247), a little shorter than the second, articulates by the tri- 

 angular surface of its ba.se with the third cuneiform. On the medial side are two small facets, 

 one below the other, for tlie second metatarsal, and on the lateral side, a single large facet for 

 the fourth metatarsal. The base gives attachment to a slip of the tibialis posterior and the 

 adductor hallucis obliquus, and from the sliaft three interosseous muscles take origin. The 

 nutrient foramen is situated on the til)ial side of the shaft and is directed toward the base. 



