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A labeled diagram of the bones in the foot is shown on the right. This view is from the top of the foot, a dorsal view. Ligaments attaching to the bones are also shown, but not labeled in this diagram.
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A. distal phalanx of the hallux
B. proximal phalanx of the hallux
C. distal phalanges
D. intermediate phalanges
E. proximal phalanges
F. 1st metatarsal
G. lesser metatarsals
H. medial cuneiform
I. intermediate cuneiform
J. lateral cuneiform
K. styloid process
L. cuboid
M. navicular
N. talus
O. calcaneus
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A labeled diagram of the bones in the foot is shown on the left. This view is from the bottom of the foot, a plantar view. Ligaments attaching to the bones are also shown, but not labeled in this diagram.
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A. distal phalanx of the hallux
B. proximal phalanx of the hallux
C. distal phalanges
D. intermediate phalanges
E. proximal phalanges
F. 1st metatarsal
G. lesser metatarsals
H. medial cuneiform
I. intermediate cuneiform
J. lateral cuneiform
K. styloid process
L. cuboid
M. navicular
N. talus
O. calcaneus
P. sesamoids |
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Description of the foot bones
Phalanges: The bones in the toes are called phalanges.
Metatarsals: The bones in the middle of the foot are called metatarsal bones.
Cuneiforms: There are three bones in the middle of the foot, towards the center of the body called cuneiforms.
Cuboid: The bone sitting adjacent to the cuneiforms on the outside of the foot is called the cuboid.
Navicular: This bone sits behind the cuneiforms.
Talus: Also called the ankle bone, the talus sits directly behind the navicular.
Calcaneus: Also called the heel bone, the calcaneus sits under the talus and behind the cuboid. |
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In the foot diagram to the right, the main tendons on the top of the foot are labeled. In the foot diagram at the bottom, the tendons on the lateral aspect of the foot are labeled.
A. Extensor hallucis longus: dorsi flexes the big toe and dorsiflexes the foot (pulls up the big toe and the foot).
B. Extensor digitorum longus: dorsi flexes the small toes and dorsiflexes the foot (pulls the little toes up and pulls the foot up).
C. Extensor digitorum brevis: dorsi flexes the small toes (pulls the small toes up).
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Peroneus longus: Everts and plantar flexes the foot (rotates the foot out and down). Stabilizes the arch when walking.
Peroneus brevis: Everts and plantar flexes the foot and stabilizes the foot when walking. The brevis tendon is a more powerful everter than the peroneus longus tendon.
Peroneal tendonitis
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In the foot diagram to the right, the main tendons on the bottom of the foot are labeled.
A. Flexor hallucis longus: plantar flexes the hallux and the foot (brings the big toe toe and flexes the foot down).
B. Flexor hallucis brevis: plantar flexes the hallux (brings the big toe down).
C. Flexor digitorum longus: plantar flexes the toes and the foot (brings the little toes down and flexes the foot down).
D. Posterior tibialis: inverts and plantar flexes the foot (brings the foot in and down).
Posterior tibial tendonitis |
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The images on the left and below show the tendons, muscles and plantar fascia on the inside, back and bottom of the foot.
Posterior tibialis: inverts and plantar flexes the foot (brings the foot in and down). Posterior tibial tendonitis
Achilles tendon: plantar flexes the foot (brings the foot down and assists in "push off" when walking). The largest and strongest tendon in the body.
Achilles tendonitis
Plantar fascia: long ligament-type structure which supports the longitudinal arch when walking. There are three bands, the medial, central and lateral band.
Plantar fasciitis
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In the ankle image on the right, the medial ankle ligaments are shown. There are four ligaments which make up the deltoid ligament:
- posterior tibiotalar ligament
- tibiocalcaneal ligament
- tibionavicular ligament
- anterior tibiotalar ligament
These ligaments give support to the inside of the ankle (medial ankle joint).
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In the ankle image on the left is a diagram of the lateral ankle ligaments. There are three ligaments on the lateral aspect of the ankle joint.
- anterior talofibular ligament
- calcaneofibular ligament
- posterior talofibular ligament
The posterior talofibular ligament is not visible in this diagram. The ligament sits under the peroneal tendons. It attaches to the fibula and extends to the back of the ankle and attaches to the talus.
Ankle sprains |
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"Neuro" refers to nerve and "vascular" refers to the veins and arteries, hence the term neurovascular. In the foot diagram on the right the nerves are represented by the yellow structures, the arteries are represented by the red structures and the veins are represented by the blue structures. Nerves carry sensory and movement information to and from the brain. Arteries carry blood with oxygen and nutrients from the heart to the feet. Veins carry blood without oxygen or nutrients and with CO2 and byproducts from the feet back to the heart.
Nerve impingement |
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The foot diagram to the left shows the sensory nerves in the foot. The main nerves which control movement in the foot, branch much higher in the leg. The three nerves shown here are:
- superficial peroneal nerve
- dorsal intermediate cutaneous nerve
- dorsal medial cutaneous nerve
The superficial peroneal nerve branches off the common peroneal nerve which wraps around the knee. The common peroneal nerve is a branch off the sciatic nerve. |
Biomechanics: information on foot function and the mechanics of the foot. Definitions for dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, eversion, supination and pronation.
Terminology/medical dictionary: definitions of medical terms and structures relating to the foot and ankle.
Foot Pain Finder: Interactive foot page with diagrams of areas of pain for common foot problems.
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Disclaimer: The advice on this website is not intended
to substitute for a visit to your health care provider. We
will not be held liable for any diagnosis made or treatment
recommended. Consult your doctor if you feel you have a medical
problem. |
