Where the talus sits in the skeleton
The talus is the uppermost bone of the ankle, forming the ankle joint with the tibia and fibula. It passes body weight from the leg into the foot. It has a head, neck and body, and meets the calcaneus below and the navicular in front. The pulley-shaped top of its body fits between the tibia and fibula to form the ankle joint.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of the skeleton is the talus in?
The talus 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 talus or a pair?
The talus is paired: there is one on the left and one on the right, and this page covers both.
Do any muscles attach to the talus?
No. No muscle attaches to the talus. Most of its surface is covered with joint cartilage, and it is held to its neighbours by ligaments alone.
Other bones of the foot
- Calcaneus
- Navicular bone of foot
- Cuboid bone
- Medial cuneiform bone
- Intermediate cuneiform bone
- Lateral cuneiform bone
- Sesamoid bone of foot
- First metatarsal bone
- 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
Joints of the talus
Compare with similar bones
Bone counts
By region
Read more
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Once the 3D model loads you can turn it and select each part.