Definition

1. Noun:
   • The part of the foot skeleton: The metatarsus is the group of five long bones in the foot, located between the ankle bones (tarsus) and the bones of the toes (phalanges). It forms the central part of the foot's skeletal structure.
   • The corresponding anatomical part in animals: In zoology, the metatarsus refers to the analogous part of the foot in birds or the hind foot in four-legged animals (quadrupeds).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • A stress fracture in the metatarsus is common among runners.
  • The skeleton of the human foot consists of the tarsus, the metatarsus, and the phalanges.
  • In birds, the metatarsus is often elongated.

Advanced Usage

• Anatomical context: The term is primarily used in medical, anatomical, and zoological contexts.
  • The surgeon examined the X-ray to assess the alignment of the metatarsus.
• Comparative anatomy: Used to describe and compare foot structures across different species.
  • The metatarsus in a horse's hind limb is called the cannon bone.

Variants and Related Words

• Metatarsal (adj): Pertaining to the metatarsus.
  • He suffered a metatarsal injury.
• Metatarsal (n): Any one of the five bones forming the metatarsus.
  • The third metatarsal is the longest bone in the metatarsus.

Synonyms

• Instep bones (less common, informal anatomical term).
• Forefoot skeleton (descriptive, not a precise technical synonym).

Related Phrases and Terms

• Metatarsal arch: The transverse arch formed by the heads of the metatarsal bones.
  • Proper shoes support the metatarsal arch.
• Metatarsalgia: Pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot (the metatarsal region).
  • Metatarsalgia is often caused by high-impact activities.

Noun

1. the skeleton of the human foot between the toes and the tarsus; the corresponding part of the foot in birds or of the hind foot in quadrupeds