Metatarsals

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There are five metatarsal bones in the foot.
They are named #1, #2, #3, #4, and #5, from the medial/big-toe side to the lateral/little-toe side.
A metatarsal with its associated phalanges is called a ray.
- Metatarsal #1 is within the first ray, the ray of the big toe.
- Metatarsal #5 is within the fifth ray, the ray of the little toe.
The metatarsals articulate with:
- the phalanges distally, forming the metatarsophalangeal joints.
- the tarsals proximally, forming the tarsometatarsal joints.
- each other, forming the intertarsal joints.

NOTES:

Each metatarsal has an expanded proximal end called the base, and an expanded distal end called the head.
The base of the fifth metatarsal (the metatarsal of the little toe) has an extremely large base, with a styloid process as a part of its base.
There are two sesamoid bones located on the plantar side of the head of the first metatarsal.
The first metatarsal (the metatarsal of the big toe) is the largest metatarsal.

Dorsal view of the bones of the foot on the right side of the body.

Plantar view of the bones of the foot on the right side of the body.

Medial view of the bones of the foot on the right side of the body.

Lateral view of the bones of the foot on the right side of the body.