Page:Structure and functions of the body; a hand-book of anatomy and physiology for nurses and others desiring a practical knowledge of the subject (IA structurefunctio00fiskrich).pdf/202

 fingers, though they are shorter and stronger. The big toe corresponds to the thumb.

—Bones of the right foot, dorsal surface: 1, Astragalus; 3, os calcis, 4, navicular; 5, internal cuneiform; 6, middle cuneiform; 7, external cuneiform; 8, cuboid; 9, metatarsus; 10-14, phalanges. (Leidy.)

Fracture of the os calcis and the astragalus are most commonly caused by a fall from a height, while the metatarsals and phalanges are generally broken by something heavy falling upon them. Because of their delicate structure, their distance from the heart, and the differences of temperature to which they are subjected, the tarsal bones are especially liable to become tubercular, amputation of the feet even becoming necessary at times. In diabetes there may be a perforating ulcer on the sole of the foot and the bone may become diseased.

Muscles of the Leg.—The greater part of the calf of the leg is formed by the gastrocnemius, a large bulging muscle, which rises from the condyles of the femur and is inserted along with the soleus, whose origin is on the