Lower Limb

Question 1

What are the three groups that the 26 bones of one foot are divided into?

Answer 1

Phalanges, Metatarsals, Tarsals

The 26 bones of one foot are divided into 14 Phalanges (toes or digits), 5 Metatarsals (instep), and 7 Tarsals.

Question 2

How many phalanges are found in each foot?

Answer 2

14

Each foot has 14 phalanges, with the large toe having 2 phalanges and digits 2 through 5 having 3 phalanges each.

Question 3

What are the most distal bones of the foot?

Answer 3

Phalanges

The phalanges make up the toes, or digits, and are the most distal bones of the foot.

Question 4

How are the five digits of each foot numbered?

Answer 4

1 through 5

The five digits of each foot are numbered 1 through 5, starting on the medial or big-toe side of the foot.

Question 5

What noticeable differences exist between the phalanges of the foot and hand?

Answer 5

Smaller size and more limited movements

The phalanges of the foot are smaller and have more limited movements compared to those of the hand.

Question 6

How should bones or joints of the foot be described?

Answer 6

Specific digit and foot should be identified

When describing bones or joints of the foot, the specific digit and foot should be identified to avoid confusion.

Question 7

Are the distal phalanges of the second through fifth toes easily identifiable on a radiograph?

Answer 7

Small and may be difficult to identify as separate bones

The distal phalanges of the second through fifth toes are small and may be challenging to identify as separate bones on a radiograph.

Question 8

What are the five bones of the instep?

Answer 8

The metatarsal bones

These are numbered along with the digits, with number 1 on the medial side and number 5 on the lateral side.

Question 9

What are the three parts of each metatarsal?

Answer 9

The head, body (shaft), and base

The small, rounded distal part is the head, the centrally located, long, slender portion is the body, and the expanded, proximal end is the base.

Question 10

What is the expanded proximal end of each metatarsal called?

Answer 10

The base

The base of the fifth metatarsal is expanded laterally into a prominent rough tuberosity.

Question 11

What is the common site for the foot that must be well visualized?

Answer 11

The proximal portion of the fifth metatarsal, including the tuberosity

This area must be well visualized on radiographs.