Where the fourth metatarsal bone sits in the skeleton

The fourth metatarsal bone is the 4th of the five metatarsals in the middle of the foot, in line with the fourth toe. It joins the tarsal bones behind and the fourth toe's proximal phalanx in front. Together the metatarsals form the arches of the foot. Its base meets the cuboid and the lateral cuneiform.

Frequently asked questions

Which part of the skeleton is the fourth metatarsal bone in?

The fourth 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 fourth metatarsal bone or a pair?

The fourth metatarsal bone is paired: there is one on the left and one on the right, and this page covers both.

Which tarsal bones does the fourth metatarsal meet?

The cuboid and the lateral cuneiform.

Other bones of the foot

Compare with similar bones

Bone counts

By region

Read more

Related reading

Once the 3D model loads you can turn it and select each part.