Final answer:
The 5 metatarsal bones lie in front of the tarsal bones, forming the anterior half of the foot and articulating with the phalanges of the toes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 5 metatarsal bones lie in front of the tarsal bones of the posterior foot. These elongated bones, forming the anterior half of the foot, are positioned between the tarsal bones and the phalanges of the toes. They are numbered 1-5, with the first one being the most medial. The second metatarsal is noted as being the longest. At the proximal end, the bases of these metatarsal bones articulate with the cuboid or cuneiform bones, while their distal ends, the heads of the metatarsals, articulate with the proximal phalanges to form metatarsophalangeal joints. Additionally, the head of the fifth metatarsal can be identified as a prominent bump on the lateral side of the foot due to its expanded base that serves as an attachment point for muscles.