The Foot

Question 1

Describe Interphalangeal joints?

Answer 1

Synovial hinge joints – flexion and extension of toes

Question 2

Describe the mid tarsal joints?

Answer 2

2 joints: calcaneocuboid & talocalcaneonavicular
- These are synovial joints at which the movements are mainly inversion (produced by tibialis anterior and tibialis posterior working together/tibial & deep fibular nerves) and eversion (produced by the fibularis muscles/both fibular nerves).

Question 3

Describe the mid tarsal joints?

Answer 3

2 joints: calcaneocuboid & talocalcaneonavicular
These are synovial joints at which the movements are mainly inversion (produced by tibialis anterior and tibialis posterior working together/tibial & deep fibular nerves) and eversion (produced by the fibularis muscles/both fibular nerves).

Question 4

Describe the tarsometatarsal joints?

Answer 4

Between the cuneiforms/cuboid proximally & the metatarsals

Question 5

Describe the metatarsalphalangeal joints?

Answer 5

Also synovial joints allowing flexion, extension, abduction, adduction and circumduction of the digits (toes)

Question 6

What do arches of the foot provide?

Answer 6

These provide shock absorption, “push-off” spring in function and increased weight-bearing capacity by weight redistribution across the whole foot.

Question 7

What are arches of the feet supported by?

Answer 7

The arches are supported by the plantar aponeurosis (thickened central area of the plantar fascia, the deep fascia of the sole of the foot – also protects against puncture wounds) and plantar ligaments.

Question 8

Describe the medial longitudinal arch?

Answer 8

Composed of the bones of the medial aspect of the foot (calcaneus, talus, navicular, 3 cuneiforms and metatarsals 1-3). The arch is supported by the flexor hallucis longus and by the attachments of tibialis anterior

Question 9

Describe the lateral longitudinal arch?

Answer 9

A lower and less important arch than the medial longitudinal formed by the calcaneus, cuboid and metatarsals 4 & 5. Usually weight bearing on standing

Question 10

Describe the transverse arch?

Answer 10

Consists of the cuboid, cuneiforms and the bases of all 5 metatarsals. Also supported by fibularis longus, as well as tibialis posterior.

Question 11

What is meant by intrinsic muscles of the foot?

Answer 11

The intrinsic muscles attach proximally and distally within the foot, as opposed to attaching proximally within the leg and then inserting into the foot.

Question 12

Describe the intrinsic muscles of the foot?

Answer 12

The sole/interosseous muscles mainly produce flexion (sole muscles) and abduction/adduction (interossei) of the toes. The 2 dorsal muscles are the short extensors of the toes.

Question 13

The dorsalis pedis artery is ______1________

The pulse is taken ___________2__________ Branches to give the _____3____ artery on the dorsum of the foot

Answer 13

1) Branch of anterior tibial artery
2) lateral to extensor hallucis longus tendon
3) arcuate

Question 14

The medial and lateral plantar arteries are branches of _______1_______ Both contribute to the _____2_______
From the deep planter arch and the arcuate artery arise ______3______ which branch into _______4_______

Answer 14

1) posterior tibial artery
2) deep plantar arch
3) metatarsal arteries
4) digital arteries (as in the hand, 4 digital arteries per toe)

Question 15

Describe superficial veins of the foot?

Answer 15

Dorsal venous arch giving rise to great (medially) and small (laterally) saphenous veins

Question 16

The deep veins of the foot follow the arteries of the foot and drain into ……

Answer 16

anterior and posterior tibial and the fibular veins (often small groups of veins accompanying the arteries rather than substantial, single, named vessels) that join to form the popliteal vein

Question 17

Joining of what three veins forms the popliteal?

Answer 17

Anterior tibial, posterior tibial and fibular veins

Question 18

Lymphatic drainage of the foot?

Answer 18

Lymphatic vessels accompany the great and small saphenous veins

Question 19

What is the motor nerve to the foot?

Answer 19

Tibial nerve

Question 20

Sensory nerve supply to the dorsum of the foot?

Answer 20

Superficial fibular nerve, deep fibular nerve and saphenous nerve

Question 21

Sensory nerve supply to the plantar surface of the foot?

Answer 21

Tibial, sural and saphenous nerve