Metatarsals, Superior View

Description

Viewed from the dorsum (superior aspect), the five metatarsals are emphasized in blue as they span distally from the tarsal region to the bases of the proximal phalanges. Proximally, the metatarsal bases align with the cuneiforms medially and the cuboid laterally, while the shafts run anteriorly to broaden into metatarsal heads at the metatarsophalangeal joints. Medial to lateral, the first metatarsal is shorter and stouter than the second through fifth, and the fifth metatarsal base projects laterally as the tuberosity. Color coding clarifies the structural continuity from midfoot to forefoot. A dorsal view like this clarifies the bony architecture that underpins forefoot alignment, including the metatarsal parabola and the way the first ray differs from the lateral rays. That matters when teaching or planning around common injury and deformity patterns, from fifth metatarsal base fractures (including avulsion at the tuberosity and more proximal Jones fractures) to hallux valgus in which the first metatarsal deviates medially and the hallux drifts laterally at the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Clear visualization of the metatarsal heads also supports discussion of metatarsalgia and transfer lesions when load shifts from the first to the lesser metatarsals. Landmarks are unambiguous. Use this artwork in gross anatomy and musculoskeletal modules, podiatry and orthopaedic teaching files, or as a plate in a foot and ankle chapter that needs clean dorsal bone relationships without soft-tissue distraction. It also fits clinical handouts explaining fracture location, bunion mechanics, or surgical planning terms such as osteotomy level and metatarsophalangeal joint orientation. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.