Toes
Toes
Toes (/toʊz/) are the digits of the foot of a tetrapod. Animal species such as cats that walk on their toes are described as being digitigrade. Humans, and other animals that walk on the soles of their feet, are described as being plantigrade; unguligrade animals are those that walk on hooves at the tips of their toes.
Etymology
The term "toe" comes from the Old English tā, which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic *taihwǭ. It is related to the Dutch teen, the German Zehe, and the Norse tá.
Anatomy
There are five toes present on each human foot. Each toe consists of several parts, including the phalanges (bones), metatarsal bones, and muscles. The toes are, from medial to lateral:
- The first toe, also known as the hallux or "big toe"
- The second toe, or "long toe"
- The third toe, or "middle toe"
- The fourth toe, or "ring toe"
- The fifth toe, or "little toe", "pinky toe", or "baby toe"
The innermost toe (the big toe) has a unique role in providing balance, while the remaining toes provide grip.
Related Terms
- Phalanges: The bones of the toes.
- Metatarsal bones: The bones in the midfoot.
- Hallux: The big toe.
- Digitigrade: An animal that walks on its toes.
- Plantigrade: An animal that walks on the soles of its feet.
- Unguligrade: An animal that walks on hooves at the tips of its toes.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Toes
- Wikipedia's article - Toes
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