Where the first metatarsal bone sits in the skeleton
The first metatarsal bone is the 1st of the five metatarsals in the middle of the foot, in line with the big toe. It joins the tarsal bones behind and the big toe's proximal phalanx in front. The shortest and thickest metatarsal, it carries much of the load in standing and walking. Together the metatarsals form the arches of the foot. Its base meets the medial cuneiform, and two sesamoid bones lie under its head on the sole side.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of the skeleton is the first metatarsal bone in?
The first metatarsal bone is one of the bones of the foot. The foot is made of seven tarsal bones, five metatarsals, fourteen phalanges and the sesamoid bones.
How many bones are in the foot?
Each foot has 26 bones: seven tarsal bones, five metatarsals and fourteen phalanges in the toes, plus small sesamoid bones.
Is there one first metatarsal bone or a pair?
The first metatarsal bone is paired: there is one on the left and one on the right, and this page covers both.
Which tarsal bone does the first metatarsal meet?
The medial cuneiform.
Other bones of the foot
- Talus
- Calcaneus
- Navicular bone of foot
- Cuboid bone
- Medial cuneiform bone
- Intermediate cuneiform bone
- Lateral cuneiform bone
- Sesamoid bone of foot
- Second metatarsal bone
- Third metatarsal bone
- Fourth metatarsal bone
- Fifth metatarsal bone
- Proximal phalanx of big toe
- Distal phalanx of big toe
- Proximal phalanx of second toe
- Middle phalanx of second toe
- Distal phalanx of second toe
- Proximal phalanx of third toe
- Middle phalanx of third toe
- Distal phalanx of third toe
- Proximal phalanx of fourth toe
- Middle phalanx of fourth toe
- Distal phalanx of fourth toe
- Proximal phalanx of little toe
- Middle phalanx of little toe
- Distal phalanx of little toe
Compare with similar bones
Bone counts
By region
Read more
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