113 



posteriorly it presents a flat surface for articulating with the middle cu- 

 neiform, which articulation is two inches in vertical extent and an inch 

 and a quarter across the upper part, and proves the middle cuneiform 

 hone to have heen much smaller than the external one above de- 

 scribed ; this articular surface of the second metatarsal is continuous at 

 its upper and outer angle with a small triangular facet, which articulates 

 with the external cuneiform bone ; a third oblong articular surface is 

 continued from the preceding upon the greater part of a depression 

 on the outer surface of the bone, and this articular surface is applied 

 against a corresponding one on the upper and back part of the middle 

 metatarsal. The articular surface on the anterior part of the bone for 

 the first phalanx of the second toe is slightly convex, longer in the ver- 

 tical than the transverse directions. i\.t the under part of the bone are 

 two trochlear surfaces for two sesamoid bones. 



Presented by Sir JVoodbine Parish, K.H. 

 531. The metatarsal bone of the third toe. The middle metatarsal bone is the 

 largest of the three which are here preserved ; it diminishes in breadth, 

 but greatly increases in antero-posterior thickness from the upper to the 

 lower surface : the posterior articular surface is very slightly concave, 

 and is nearly exclusively applied to the external cuneiform bone above 

 described : a small portion is deflected forwards from its upper and inner 

 side to be applied to the oblique facet in the depression on the outer side 

 of the second metatarsal : there is a similar depression and articular 

 facet on the upper and outer side of the present metatarsal, in which a 

 corresponding process of the fourth metatarsal is wedged. By this 

 structure the three metatarsals are interlocked together, and any force or 

 concussion from the toes would thus be transferred, not only directly 

 backwards to the tarsal bones, but obliquely from one metatarsal to 

 another, whereby peculiar strength and security is given to the bony 

 compages of the foot. The anterior surface of the middle metatarsal is 

 slightly convex, two inches long by one and three quarters wide, which 

 indicates the great bulk of the first phalanx of the middle toe : the under 

 part of the present metatarsal bone presents two broad concave grooves 

 for large sesamoid bones. Presented by Sir JFoodbine Parish, K.H. 



