Arch of the foot
Arch of the Foot
The Arch of the Foot (pronunciation: /ɑːrtʃ ɒv ðə fʊt/) is a term used in anatomy to describe the curved, bridge-like structure of the foot, which plays a crucial role in balance, weight distribution, and shock absorption.
Etymology
The term "arch" comes from the Latin word arcus, meaning bow or curve. The term "foot" comes from the Old English fōt.
Anatomy
The arch of the foot is made up of three parts: the medial longitudinal arch, the lateral longitudinal arch, and the transverse arch. These arches are formed by the tarsal and metatarsal bones and are strengthened by ligaments and tendons in the foot.
Medial Longitudinal Arch
The medial longitudinal arch is the highest and most prominent arch of the foot. It is formed by the calcaneus, talus, navicular, three cuneiforms, and the first three metatarsals.
Lateral Longitudinal Arch
The lateral longitudinal arch is flatter than the medial longitudinal arch. It is formed by the calcaneus, cuboid, and the fourth and fifth metatarsals.
Transverse Arch
The transverse arch is formed by the cuboid, cuneiforms, and the bases of the five metatarsals.
Function
The arches of the foot act as shock absorbers, distributing the body's weight over the entire foot. They also provide a flexible support to the foot, allowing it to adapt to various surfaces.
Related Terms
- Flatfoot: A condition in which the arches of the foot collapse, with the entire sole of the foot coming into complete or near-complete contact with the ground.
- High arch: A condition in which the arch of the foot is too high, causing an uneven distribution of weight across the foot.
- Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes.
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