The metatarsophalangeal joints (MTP joints) are the
joint
A joint or articulation (or articular surface) is the connection made between bones, ossicles, or other hard structures in the body which link an animal's skeletal system into a functional whole.Saladin, Ken. Anatomy & Physiology. 7th ed. McGraw- ...
s between the
metatarsal bones of the foot and the proximal bones (
proximal phalanges
The phalanges (: phalanx ) are digital bones in the hands and feet of most vertebrates. In primates, the thumbs and big toes have two phalanges while the other digits have three phalanges. The phalanges are classed as long bones.
Struct ...
) of the
toes. They are analogous to the
knuckles of the
hand
A hand is a prehensile, multi-fingered appendage located at the end of the forearm or forelimb of primates such as humans, chimpanzees, monkeys, and lemurs. A few other vertebrates such as the Koala#Characteristics, koala (which has two thumb#O ...
, and are consequently known as toe knuckles in common speech. They are
condyloid joint
A condyloid joint (also called condylar, ellipsoidal, or bicondylar) is an ovoid articular surface, or condyle that is received into an elliptical cavity. This permits movement in two planes, allowing flexion, extension, adduction, abduction ...
s, meaning that an elliptical or rounded surface (of the metatarsal bones) comes close to a shallow cavity (of the proximal phalanges). The region of skin directly below the joints forms the
ball
A ball is a round object (usually spherical, but sometimes ovoid) with several uses. It is used in ball games, where the play of the game follows the state of the ball as it is hit, kicked or thrown by players. Balls can also be used for s ...
of the foot.
The
ligaments are the plantar and two collateral.
Movements
The movements permitted in the metatarsophalangeal joints are
flexion
Motion, the process of movement, is described using specific anatomical terminology, anatomical terms. Motion includes movement of Organ (anatomy), organs, joints, Limb (anatomy), limbs, and specific sections of the body. The terminology used de ...
,
extension,
abduction,
adduction
Motion, the process of movement, is described using specific anatomical terms. Motion includes movement of organs, joints, limbs, and specific sections of the body. The terminology used describes this motion according to its direction relativ ...
and
circumduction.
File:The feet of C. H. Unthan, the armless fiddler Wellcome L0034227.jpg, Left: toes adducted (pulled towards the center) and spread (abducted); right, both feet clenched (plantar flexed)
File:Footgym rings1.jpg, The upper foot is clenching (plantarflexing) at the MTP joints and at the joints of the toes; the central foot is lifting the toes (dorsiflexing) at the MTP joints; and the foot flat on the ground off to the side is in a neutral position.
File:02.04.Independence.WDC.4jul05 (24107356).jpg, Kneeling with the MTP joints dorsiflexed (except the MTP joint of the little toe)
File:Reproducibility-of-and-sex-differences-in-common-orthopaedic-ankle-and-foot-tests-in-runners-1471-2474-15-171-S3.ogv, Measuring the dorsiflexion of the MTP joints
See also
*
Bunion
A bunion, also known as hallux valgus, is a deformity of the metatarsophalangeal joint, MTP joint connecting the big toe to the foot. The big toe often bends towards the other toes and the joint becomes red and painful. The onset of bunions is ...
*
Hallux rigidus (stiff big toe)
*
Metatarsophalangeal joint sprain (turf toe)
*
Knuckle
References
*
External links
Diagram at webmd.com
Joints
Toes
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