Page:Why the Shoe Pinches.djvu/21

 Fourteen of these bones belong to the toes, the remaining twelve enter into the formation of the tarsus and metatarsus.

The metatarsal bones are the five long bones (a). "With the forepart of these the toes form joints. The remaining seven are the tarsal bones, and one of these, the astragalus (b), is embraced on each side by a projection (malleolus) from the bones of the leg, thus forming the ankle-joint.

If the inner aspect of the foot is examined, we find that it is an arch, resting in front on the anterior heads of the five metatarsal bones (a), but principally on that of the great toe, and, on the calcaneum or heel (b) behind. The astragalus (c) forms the key-stone of the arch.

The arch is enabled to retain its form by means of strong-ligaments or bands passing from one bone to the others; and, thus held closely together, sustains the superincumbent weight of the body without giving way.

When we rest on the foot, as in standing, the arch is