piede

Piede is the Italian noun for the foot, the distal part of the leg that bears weight and enables standing and locomotion. The singular form is piede and the plural is piedi. In everyday Italian the term appears in phrases such as a piedi (on foot) and avere piedi (to be nimble). The word is related to the Latin pes, pedis.

Anatomy and structure: The human foot has 26 bones: seven tarsal bones (including calcaneus and talus), five metatarsals, and fourteen phalanges. It forms three arches—medial, lateral, and transverse—that help absorb impact and adapt to surfaces. The foot’s muscles include extrinsic muscles that originate in the leg and intrinsic muscles within the sole. The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel, while the plantar fascia supports the arch. Nerves (notably branches of the tibial nerve) and arteries (including the posterior tibial and dorsalis pedis) supply the foot.

Function and health: The foot provides balance, propulsion, and weight distribution during gait. Common problems include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, flat feet or high arches, bunions (hallux valgus), and stress fractures. Foot development begins in infancy and continues through childhood; proper footwear and conditioning help prevent injuries.

Etymology and usage: The term piede derives from Latin pes, pedis. In related Italian terms, the same root appears in words such as pedale (pedal) and pedone (pedestrian). The concept of the foot also figures in medical, anatomical, and cultural contexts.