Lower limb

Tarsal bones

Ossa tarsi

Origin

7 tarsal bones: Talus, Calcaneus (heel bone), Navicular, Cuboid, and three Cuneiforms (medial, intermediate, lateral)

Insertion

Attachment site for Achilles tendon (calcaneal tuberosity), tibialis posterior (navicular tuberosity), fibularis brevis, and plantar fascia

Function

Forms dynamic shock-absorbing longitudinal and transverse arches of the foot; distributes body weight during stance and gait

Innervation

Tibial nerve (medial/lateral plantar branches) and deep fibular nerve

Movement & chain

Inversion (supination-adduction) and eversion (pronation-abduction) at subtalar and transverse tarsal (Chopart) joints

Palpation

Calcaneal tuberosity, sustentaculum tali, navicular tuberosity, and base of 5th metatarsal are prominent bony landmarks

Clinical

Calcaneal fracture (fall from height); talar neck fracture (aviator's fracture); plantar fasciitis; flat feet (pes planus) and high arch (pes cavus)

Segmental innervation

L4–S2

In clinical practice

Gait analysis, orthotic insole fitting, foot mechanics, and diabetic foot ulcer prevention

Region in the model

Lower limb