metatarsus

views updated May 17 2018

met·a·tar·sus / ˌmetəˈtärsəs/ • n. (pl. -si / -sē; -ˌsī/ ) the group of bones in the foot, between the ankle and the toes. ∎  this part of the foot. ∎  the equivalent group of bones in an animal's hind limb.

metatarsus

views updated Jun 11 2018

metatarsus The foot (or corresponding part of the hindlimb) in terrestrial vertebrates, consisting of a number of rod-shaped bones (metatarsals) that articulate with the bones of the ankle (see tarsus) and those of the toes (see phalanges). The number of metatarsals varies between species: in the basic pentadactyl limb there are five, but this number is reduced in some species.

metatarsus

views updated May 18 2018

metatarsus XVII. — modL.; see META-, TARSUS.

metatarsus

views updated May 17 2018

metatarsus (met-ă-tar-sŭs) n. the five bones of the foot that connect the tarsus (ankle) to the phalanges (toes).