Final answer:
The metatarsal bones are five elongated bones that form the front part of the foot, while the tarsal bones are seven bones that make up the rear portion, including the ankle and heel. Together they allow for movement, balance, and strength in the foot.
Step-by-step explanation:
The metatarsal bones are a group of five elongated bones that form the anterior half of the human foot, playing a crucial role in balance and movement. They are numbered from 1 to 5, starting on the medial side of the foot. The base of each metatarsal bone articulates with the cuboid or cuneiform bones, which are part of the seven tarsal bones that make up the posterior part of the foot. The tarsal bones include the calcaneus, talus, navicular, cuboid, medial cuneiform, intermediate cuneiform, and lateral cuneiform bones. These bones help to form the ankle, heel, and arch, giving strength and flexibility to the foot.
Each metatarsal bone's head, at its distal end, articulates with the proximal phalanges of the toes. The big toe has just two phalanges - proximal and distal, unlike the other toes which each have three phalanges. These arrangements allow for the formation of the metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints which contribute to the foot's functionality.