Final answer:
The reference toe, often the big toe, differs from the reference finger, the thumb, in its range of mobility. It can perform actions like flexion and aids in plantar flexion but lacks the ability to oppose other toes, as the thumb can with fingers. Tarsal bones are in proximal, intermediate, and distal groups, and improper footwear can cause bunions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reference toe of the foot typically refers to the big toe, which is comparable to the thumb in the hand, sometimes considered as the reference finger. However, their abilities differ greatly. The actions the reference toe can perform include flexion, such as curling the toe downwards, and assisting in plantar flexion of the foot, which involves pointing the foot away from the body. The big toe is also crucial in activities like foot-tapping or jumping. However, unlike the thumb, the big toe has limited mobility and accessibility, particularly in terms of being able to oppose the other toes, which the thumb can do in relation to the fingers. There are several muscles involved in facilitating the movement of the feet and toes, such as the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, extensor digitorum longus, and, in some people, the fibularis tertius. These muscles enable lowering the sole of the foot to the ground and bending the inside of the foot upward.
Looking at the tarsal bones of the foot, they are categorized into three groups: proximal, intermediate, and distal. A condition known as a bunion is a localized swelling on the medial side of the foot, by the first metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe. It's often caused by shoes that do not fit properly, such as those that are too tight, narrow, or pointed at the toes, creating pressure points that lead to the development of a bunion.