MCQ Detailed View

The tarsal bones are a group of seven irregularly shaped bones located in the foot, forming the posterior part of the foot called the hindfoot and midfoot. They are part of the skeletal system and play a crucial role in supporting body weight, enabling movement, and maintaining balance. The tarsal bones connect the lower leg bones (tibia and fibula) to the metatarsals of the forefoot, creating a strong and flexible structure for walking, running, and jumping.

The main tarsal bones include the talus, calcaneus, navicular, cuboid, and the three cuneiform bones (medial, intermediate, lateral). The talus forms the lower part of the ankle joint, articulating with the tibia and fibula, while the calcaneus forms the heel. Together, these bones allow for complex movements of the foot, such as dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, and eversion.

Tarsal bones are essential in distributing body weight across the foot while standing or moving. Their arrangement forms the arches of the foot, which act as shock absorbers and provide stability. Any injury or fracture to these bones, such as a calcaneal fracture or talus fracture, can significantly impair mobility and balance.

Unlike the bones of the hand (carpals) or the arm (humerus, radius, ulna), tarsal bones are exclusively found in the foot and are part of the lower limb anatomy. They are studied in biology, anatomy, orthopedics, and physiotherapy, helping to understand how the human body maintains balance and performs movement efficiently.