forfod

Forfod is a term found in Scandinavian languages, most commonly Danish and Norwegian, that denotes the forepart or front portion of the foot. In English, the cognate term is forefoot. The word is used in anatomy, medicine, and veterinary contexts to distinguish the front segment of the limb from the rear or hind portion.

In human anatomy, the forefoot comprises the metatarsal region and the phalanges (toe bones). It lies anterior to the midfoot and hindfoot and includes the joints between the metatarsals and phalanges (the metatarsophalangeal joints). The forefoot plays a key role in balance and propulsion during walking and running, and its condition affects gait and foot health. Common disorders affect the toes and forefoot bones, such as bunions or metatarsalgia, and treatment ranges from orthotics to surgery.

In veterinary and comparative anatomy, forfod refers to the front feet of four-legged animals. Forefeet in quadrupeds differ across species: in dogs and cats the forefeet are flexible paw structures with multiple digits; in horses and other ungulates the forefoot is formed by a distal limb bearing a hoof, weight-bearing and shock-absorbing. Forefeet are central to locomotion and bearing loads, and injuries or deformities can impact mobility.

Etymology: derived from the prefix for- meaning “front” plus fod meaning “foot,” cognate with the English word forefoot.

See also: foot; forefoot (English term); hindfoot; midfoot; podiatry; veterinary anatomy.