Tarsals facts for kids
Your feet are super important for moving around, whether you're walking, running, or jumping! Inside each of your feet are many bones that work together. Among these are the tarsals, which are also known as your ankle bones. There are seven of these special bones in each foot, and they help form the back and middle parts of your foot.
Contents
What Are Tarsal Bones?
Tarsal bones are a group of seven bones found in the back and middle of your foot. They are bigger and stronger than the bones in your toes. These bones connect your lower leg bones (the tibia and fibula) to the long bones in the middle of your foot, called the metatarsals.
Your Ankle and Foot Bones
Your foot is a complex structure with 26 bones. The tarsals are a key part of this system. They help your foot move in different ways, like pointing your toes or flexing your foot. They also help support your body's weight when you stand or move. Think of them as the foundation of your foot's arch.
The Seven Tarsal Bones
Each of your feet has seven tarsal bones. They are arranged in two rows. The back row has two large bones, and the front row has five smaller ones. Here are their names:
The Back of Your Foot: Talus and Calcaneus
The two largest tarsal bones are at the very back of your foot.
- The Talus is the top ankle bone. It sits right under your lower leg bones. The talus helps your foot move up and down, like when you press the gas pedal in a car. It's important for ankle movement.
- The Calcaneus is your heel bone. It's the largest bone in your foot and forms the back of your heel. The calcaneus is super strong because it takes most of your body's weight when you stand or walk.
Moving forward from the heel, you find these two bones:
- The Navicular bone is shaped a bit like a boat. It's located on the inside of your foot, in front of the talus. It helps form the arch of your foot.
- The Cuboid bone is shaped like a cube. It's on the outside of your foot, in front of the calcaneus. It also helps support the foot's structure.
The Front of Your Foot: Cuneiform Bones
The last three tarsal bones are called the cuneiforms. They are wedge-shaped and sit in front of the navicular bone. They connect to the metatarsal bones that lead to your toes.
- The Medial cuneiform is the largest of the three and is on the inside of your foot.
- The Intermediate cuneiform is the smallest and sits in the middle.
- The Lateral cuneiform is on the outside, next to the cuboid bone.
These three bones help create the strong arches of your foot, which are important for balance and absorbing shock when you move.
Why Are Tarsals Important?
Tarsal bones are very important for many reasons:
- Support: They help support your entire body weight.
- Movement: They allow your foot to move in many directions, which is needed for walking, running, and jumping.
- Balance: They work with other bones and muscles to keep you balanced.
- Shock Absorption: They help absorb the impact when your foot hits the ground, protecting your leg and spine.
Keeping your tarsal bones and the rest of your foot healthy is key to staying active!
Related pages
