feet

Feet are the distal parts of the lower limbs that bear body weight and facilitate locomotion. Each foot comprises 26 bones, 33 joints, and numerous muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The skeleton includes the tarsal bones (calcaneus, talus, navicular, cuboid, and the three cuneiforms), five metatarsals, and fourteen phalanges. The bones form arches — the medial and lateral longitudinal arches and the transverse arch — that absorb shock and adapt to surfaces.

The major joints include the ankle (talocrural), subtalar, and the metatarsophalangeal joints, along with the interphalangeal joints. The foot is acted upon by extrinsic muscles in the lower leg (such as gastrocnemius, soleus, tibialis anterior, and the peroneals) and intrinsic muscles within the foot (including abductor hallucis, flexor digitorum brevis, and lumbricals). Innervation is provided by branches of the tibial nerve and the deep peroneal nerve, among others; the vascular supply comes from the posterior tibial and dorsalis pedis arteries.

Functionally, the feet provide support, balance, and propulsion. They adapt to varied terrains, absorb vertical load, store and release energy during walking and running, and contribute to shock attenuation through their arches and soft tissues.

Common conditions include sprains and fractures, plantar fasciitis, bunions (hallux valgus), flat feet or high arches, ingrown toenails, and lesions such as plantar warts. Proper foot care and footwear influence comfort and function.

Evolutionarily, bipedalism and footprint structures reflect adaptations for upright locomotion, stability, and efficient energy use.