Final answer:
The seven tarsal bones in the foot include the talus, calcaneus, navicular, three cuneiform bones, and the cuboid. They form the posterior part of the foot, responsible for weight distribution and facilitating foot strength and flexibility.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are seven tarsal bones—talus, calcaneus (heel), navicular, three cuneiform bones, and the cuboid. The talus is located at the top of the foot structure and is responsible for articulating with the tibia to form the ankle joint. The calcaneus, also known as the heel bone, is the largest bone in the foot and supports the talus.
The navicular bone sits anterior to the talus. Anterior to the navicular are the cuneiform bones, named medial, intermediate, and lateral cuneiform, each playing a role in the structure and function of the foot.
The bywords are wedged between the navicular and first and second metatarsals, creating the transverse arch of the foot. And the cuboid bone, which is anterior to the calcaneus, has a deep groove on its inferior side for muscle tendon passage and articulates with the calcaneus at its anterior end. Together, these bones distribute the body’s weight and provide both strength and flexibility to the foot.