Across
- 3. Two tiny, round sesamoid bones sit under the head of the first metatarsal (big toe) to help with smooth movement.
- 4. Bone The calcaneus, or heel bone, is the largest bone in the foot, providing a base for the hindfoot.
- 9. Toe Structure The big toe (hallux) has only two phalanges, while the other four toes have three each.
- 10. and Stability Joints are classified by motion, with hindfoot joints allowing gliding and forefoot joints (condyloid) allowing for flexion, extension, adduction, and abduction.
- 11. Count The foot features 33 joints, including the subtalar, talocalcaneonavicular, and tarsometatarsal joints.
- 13. Ligaments These ligaments connect the metatarsals to the tarsal bones, maintaining the integrity of the midfoot arch.
- 14. Fascia The largest ligament, the plantar fascia, extends from the heel to the forefoot, supporting the arch and absorbing shock.
Down
- 1. Count Each foot consists of 26 bones, accounting for about one-quarter of the total bones in the human body.
- 2. Surfaces Articular cartilage and synovial fluid line the joints, reducing friction and acting as a shock absorber.
- 5. Support The long plantar ligament and calcaneocuboid ligament are crucial for maintaining the longitudinal arch of the foot.
- 6. Mechanism Over 100 ligaments in the foot connect bone to bone, providing stability and structural integrity to the 33 joints.
- 7. Grouping The bones are divided into three groups: 7 tarsals (hind/midfoot), 5 metatarsals (forefoot), and 14 phalanges (toes).
- 8. Function The subtalar joint (between the talus and calcaneus) is crucial for navigating uneven terrain, allowing the foot to tilt side-to-side.
- 10. Lateral Support Medial ligaments (inside) and lateral ligaments (outside) prevent excessive tilting and stabilize the foot against rotation.
- 12. Action The ankle includes a hinge joint that allows for flexion (bending) and extension (straightening) of the foot.