ARCHES OF FOOT CODE Flashcards
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Arches of the foot
The foot has three arches: two longitudinal arches (medial and lateral) and one anterior transverse arch. These arches are formed by the tarsal and metatarsal bones and supported by ligaments and tendons.
Function of foot arches
The arches of the foot act like a spring, bearing body weight and absorbing shock during locomotion. Their flexibility aids in functions like walking and running.
Longitudinal Arches
There are two longitudinal arches in the foot: the medial and lateral arches. They are formed between the tarsal bones and the metatarsal heads.
Medial Arch
The medial arch is the higher of the two longitudinal arches. It is formed by the calcaneus, talus, navicular, three cuneiforms, and first three metatarsal bones.
Medial Arch Support: Muscular
Muscular support for the medial arch includes tibialis anterior and posterior, fibularis longus, flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallucis, and intrinsic foot muscles.
Medial Arch Support: Ligamentous
Ligamentous support for the medial arch includes the long plantar, short plantar, and plantar calcaneonavicular ligaments, along with the medial ligament of the ankle joint.
Medial Arch Support: Bony and Other
Bony support comes from the shape of the bones of the arch. Other support is provided by the plantar aponeurosis.
Lateral Arch
The lateral arch is flatter than the medial arch and lies on the ground when standing. It is formed by the calcaneus, cuboid, and the 4th and 5th metatarsal bones.
Lateral Arch Support: Muscular
Muscular support for the lateral arch includes fibularis longus, flexor digitorum longus, and intrinsic foot muscles.
Lateral Arch Support: Ligamentous
Ligamentous support for the lateral arch includes the long plantar, short plantar, and plantar calcaneonavicular ligaments.
Lateral Arch Support: Bony and Other
Bony support comes from the shape of the bones of the arch. Other support is provided by the plantar aponeurosis.
Transverse Arch
The transverse arch is located in the coronal plane of the foot, formed by the metatarsal bases, cuboid, and three cuneiform bones.
Transverse Arch Support: Muscular
Muscular support for the transverse arch includes fibularis longus and tibialis posterior.
Transverse Arch Support: Ligamentous
Ligamentous support for the transverse arch includes the long plantar, short plantar, plantar calcaneonavicular ligaments, and deep transverse metatarsal ligaments.