mesotarsal

Mesotarsal denotes the middle portion of the tarsus, the collection of bones that form the ankle and the proximal part of the foot. The tarsus is typically described as having proximal, middle, and distal regions; the mesotarsus lies between the proximal tarsus (talus and calcaneus) and the distal tarsus (navicular, cuboid, and the cuneiforms). The mesotarsus is the region associated with the midtarsal joints.

In humans, the principal mesotarsal joints are the talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints, which together form the Chopart joint complex. These joints enable multi-axial movements, including inversion and eversion, and contribute to the foot’s adaptability during gait by allowing the arch to adjust on uneven surfaces.

In veterinary anatomy, mesotarsus denotes the middle portion of the tarsus and the associated joints, with nomenclature that varies by species. In horses and other large mammals, the mesotarsal region includes the central tarsal bone and related articulations; exact usage can differ from human terminology.

The term derives from meso-, meaning middle, and tarsus, reflecting its location within the ankle-foot complex.