In tetrapods, the tarsi are the cluster of bones in the foot between the tibia and fibula and the metatarsus. The bones of the tarsus do not belong to individual toes, whereas those of the metatarsus do. The joint between the tibia and fibula and the tarsus is called the ankle.

In humans

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The seven tarsal bones are: Talus Calcaneous (Heel Bone)

• the talus bone (articulates with leg bones)
• the calcaneus bone (heel)
• the three cuneiform bones
• the cuboid bone
• the navicular bone

In other animals

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The tarsus is known as the hock in many domestic mammals.

Most long-footed tetrapods have an elongated metatarsus. The tarsier instead has an elongated tarsus, hence the name.

In insects, the tarsi are the short segments which appear in series after the tibia. It is the part that functions as the foot.

External links

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• Diagram, identifying bones
• XRay, identifying bones

Skeletal system

Tarse