Question

The tarsus,* or ankle, has seven bones. Tarsal means pertaining to the tarsus. The calcaneus is the formal name for the heel bone. The meta+tarsals lie _____ to the tarsals and also join with the bones of the toes.

Answer 1

The metatarsals are situated anterior to the tarsal bones in the foot and connect to the bones of the toes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The human ankle is comprised of seven tarsal bones which form the posterior part of the foot. These include the talus, calcaneus, navicular, cuboid, and the medial, intermediate, and lateral cuneiform bones. The talus is the most superior of these bones and plays a crucial role in the ankle joint, articulating with the tibia and fibula. The calcaneus is what we commonly refer to as the heel bone, bearing the body's weight and transferring it to the ground.

Located anterior to the tarsals are the metatarsal bones, forming the middle part of the foot. As the question suggests, the metatarsals lie anterior to the tarsals and they connect to the bones of the toes, or the phalanges, to form the structure of the forefoot. Each toe is made up of multiple phalanges, with the big toe having two and the others having three. The arrangement of these bones allows for the strength and flexibility needed for movement and support of the body's weight.

To answer the student's question directly:

The metatarsals lie anterior to the tarsals and also join with the bones of the toes.