Ankle & Foot - Anatomy Flashcards
What bones comprise the Forefoot?
Ankle & Foot - Anatomy
The Forefoot consists of the phalanges.
What is the function of the metatarsals in the Forefoot?
Ankle & Foot - Anatomy
- Support the arches of the foot
- Play a key role in weight distribution & balance during motion
What bones comprise the Midfoot?
Ankle & Foot - Anatomy
The Midfoot consists of the…
- Metatarsals
- Medial cuneiform
- Intermediate cuneiform
- Lateral cuneiform
- Cuboid
- Navicular
What bones comprise the Hindfoot?
Ankle & Foot - Anatomy
The Hindfoot consists of the…
- Talus
- Calcaneus
How many phalanges are present in each toe, and what are their types?
Ankle & Foot - Anatomy
- Toes 2-5 = Three phalanges - proximal, middle, and distal.
- Big toe, which has only two (proximal and distal).
What is the role of the cuboid bone in the Midfoot?
Ankle & Foot - Anatomy
The cuboid bone stabilizes the lateral side of the foot and assists in the foot’s lateral arch functioning.
Describe the location and function of the cuneiform bones in the Midfoot.
Ankle & Foot - Anatomy
- Located between the navicular bone and the first three metatarsals.
- The cuneiform bones help in maintaining the integrity of the medial longitudinal arch and assist in foot movements.
What is the significance of the talus bone in the Hindfoot?
Ankle & Foot - Anatomy
The talus serves as the primary connection between the foot and the leg, helping transfer weight and pressure across the ankle joint.
Describe the role of the calcaneus in the Hindfoot.
Ankle & Foot - Anatomy
The calcaneus, or heel bone, is the largest bone in the foot and provides support for the heel and lever action for walking.
What makes palpating the posterior tibial pulse easier ?
Ankle & Foot - Anatomy
Passively inverting the ankle
What are the key ligaments in the lateral ankle, and what is their primary function?
Ankle & Foot - Anatomy
- The key lateral ligaments
- Anterior talofibular ligament
- Calcaneofibular ligament
- Posterior talofibular ligament.
- Their primary function is to stabilize the lateral aspect of the ankle joint and prevent excessive inversion of the foot.
What is the role of the calcaneofibular ligament in ankle stability?
Ankle & Foot - Anatomy
The calcaneofibular ligament connects the fibula to the calcaneus and provides lateral stability to the ankle, especially when the foot is plantarflexed.
Describe the location and function of the anterior talofibular ligament.
Ankle & Foot - Anatomy
Located at the front of the ankle, connecting the talus to the fibula, this ligament stabilizes the ankle against anterior displacement of the talus and excessive internal rotation.
What are the components of the deltoid ligament in the medial ankle, and what is its primary role?
Ankle & Foot - Anatomy
- The deltoid ligament is a multifaceted ligament consisting of the
- tibionavicular
- tibiocalcaneal
- posterior tibiotalar
- It provides medial stability and prevents excessive eversion and valgus tilting of the heel.
What is the function of the anterior tibiofibular ligament and its anatomical significance?
Ankle & Foot - Anatomy
This ligament connects the lower ends of the tibia and fibula, playing a critical role in stabilizing the ankle joint and maintaining the integrity of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis.
Identify the joints formed by the talus and their functional significance.
Ankle & Foot - Anatomy
- The talus forms several critical joints:
- the talocrural (ankle) joint, subtalar joint
- talonavicular joint.
- These joints are crucial for the mobility and stability of the foot, facilitating movements such as dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, and eversion.
How does the talocalcaneal ligament contribute to foot mechanics?
Ankle & Foot - Anatomy
This ligament, part of the subtalar joint, helps in maintaining the stability of the heel and plays a role in the complex movements of the hindfoot.
What role does the interosseous membrane serve in the lower leg?
Ankle & Foot - Anatomy
Stretching between the tibia and fibula, the interosseous membrane stabilizes these bones and distributes forces transmitted along the leg to the ankle and foot.
Describe the anatomical location and function of the plantar calcaneonavicular (spring) ligament.
Ankle & Foot - Anatomy
This ligament extends from the calcaneus to the navicular bone on the plantar side of the foot. It supports the medial longitudinal arch and absorbs impact during walking.
What is the significance of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis in ankle stability?
Ankle & Foot - Anatomy
The distal tibiofibular syndesmosis comprises several ligaments that bind the tibia and fibula at their lower ends, providing stability and strength to the ankle joint, especially during load-bearing activities.
What are the main functions of the tibial nerve in the foot and ankle?
Ankle & Foot - Anatomy
The tibial nerve primarily controls the posterior muscles of the leg and foot, facilitating plantarflexion and inversion of the foot, as well as sensation to the sole of the foot.
Describe the pathway and function of the sural nerve.
Ankle & Foot - Anatomy
The sural nerve runs along the posterior aspect of the leg into the lateral foot. It is primarily sensory and provides sensation to the outer foot and lower ankle
What is the peroneal nerve, and how is it divided in the foot?
Ankle & Foot - Anatomy
- The peroneal nerve, also known as the fibular nerve, branches into the deep and superficial peroneal nerves.
- It facilitates movement and sensation in different parts of the lower leg and foot.
What muscles does the deep peroneal nerve innervate, and what are its sensory responsibilities?
Ankle & Foot - Anatomy
- The deep peroneal nerve innervates the anterior muscles of the lower leg such as the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus.
- It provides sensation to the space between the first and second toes.
Describe the function and innervation area of the superficial peroneal nerve.
Ankle & Foot - Anatomy
The superficial peroneal nerve innervates the lateral leg muscles, such as the peroneus longus and brevis, and provides sensory information from the surface of the lower leg and the upper part of the foot.
What role does the medial plantar nerve play in foot functionality?
Ankle & Foot - Anatomy
The medial plantar nerve, a branch of the tibial nerve, innervates the majority of the sole of the foot, including muscles that flex the toes and supports sensations like touch and temperature.