The human foot is a highly developed, biomechanically complex structure that serves to bear the weight of the body as well as forces many times the weight of the human body during propulsion. About 26 bones in the human foot provide structural support. Tarsal bones of the hindfoot include the calcaneus and talus , while bones of the midfoot comprise the navicular, cuboid and cuneiform bones. The tarsal bones of the foot act as important attachment points for muscles of the leg and foot and aid in maintaining the arches of the foot. The tarsal bones include the calcaneus, talus, navicular, cuboid, and three cuneiform bones (medial, intermediate, and lateral). They are arranged in a manner that contributes to the formation of the foot's arches, ensuring stability and flexibility. Learn about the 7 tarsal bones in each foot, their names, shapes, locations, and roles in the skeletal system. Find out how they form the ankle, heel, arch, and midfoot, and how to remember them with mnemonics.
