Tarsus

The tarsus is the skeleton of the ankle

Location of the tarsus

The tarsus is a set of bones making up the skeleton of the ankle located between the leg bones (tibia, fibula) and the foot bones (the metatarsal bones).

Structure of the tarsus

The tarsus is a group of seven tarsal bones:

• the calcaneus, the largest tarsal bone which is the heel bone;
• the astragalus or talus, into which the tibia and fibula rest;
• the cuboid bone;
• the navicular bone;
• and the three cuneiform bones (intermediary, lateral, and medial).

Function of the tarsus

The tarsus forms part of the plantar arch, particularly the heel, and supports the whole body.