Hooper, Robert [Editor]: The Anatomist's Vade-Mecum: Containing The Anatomy, Physiology, Morbid Appearances, &c. Of The Human Body ; The Art of making Anatomical Preparations, &c. To which are added Anatomical, Physiological, Medical, And Surgical Examinations For Students (London, 1811)

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Connexion. The connexion of the bones of the tarsus 1*
with the tibia and fibula by arthrodia, and with the metatar-
sal bones, and also with one another by amphiarihrosis.

Joints. The ar.cle-joint is composed of three bones, viz. the
lower end of the fibula, the lower end of the tibia, and the
astragalus. The astragalus with its rounded surface, receives
the end of the tibia, a part of which descends some way down
on the side of the astragalus, forming the inner anc le ; on the
opposte side the fibula descends, forming the outer ancle, and
by the end of the fibula being confined to that of the tibia by
means of ligaments, a hollow is formed for the astragalus.

This joint is surrounded by a capsular ligament, and is fur-
ther stiegthened by tendons and fascia ; besides the deltoid li-
gament, which goes from the inner ancle to the astragalus,
the anterior, and perpendicular fibular ligaments, and some
others variously placed. The tarsal bones are united to each
other by a complex number of ligaments. The joint admits
of varied motion, and is supplied with synovia, and surround-
ing bursa? mucosae.

Use. To form the basis of the foot, and to serve for ite
Kiotion.

The os calcis, am! the astragalus, are become bone at
birth ; but the other bones are cartilaginous.

METATARSUS.

The metatarsus is situated between the tarsus and toes, and
is composed of five longitudinal bones, which form the back
and sole of the foot. These agree in their general character
with those of the metacarpus, but are longer and thicker: the
basis, or posterior extremity of each, is thicker than the other
extremity, which is rounded. Their bodies are somewhat

triangular.

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